Players Absent From The English League In January Due Participation In The Asian Nations

The tournament won't be as disruptive as the Africa Cup of Nations, but several teams are set to lose key players to the tournament in Qatar

In order to minimise disruption to the European club season, the 2023 Asian Cup was initially scheduled to take place over the summer. However, after China lost hosting rights and Qatar stepped in at the last minute, concerns over stifling temperatures in the Gulf state saw the tournament pushed back.

The 2023 Asian Cup will now run from January 12 until February 10, placing it slap bang in the middle of the Premier League campaign. Although the competition will not cause as many selection headaches as the Africa Cup of Nations - with over 30 top-flight players set to miss club games due to that tournament - the showpiece event in Qatar will still deprive a number of English sides of their top talent

Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal)

Tomiyasu's departure to the Asian Cup comes at a less-than-opportune moment for Arsenal. Summer signing Jurrien Timber is not expected back for some time and with Oleksandr Zinchenko suffering a knock recently too, Mikel Arteta is looking a little light at full-back, with Jakub Kiwior underwhelming when asked to fill in.

Tomiyasu was briefly a doubt for the tournament due to a minor injury problem himself, but he has recovered in time to jet off to the Middle East. Japan are among the favourites for the competition having shockingly lost to Qatar in the final back in 2019.

Saman Ghoddos (Brentford)

Ghoddos isn't the most recognisable name in Brentford's squad, but his versatility has proved useful since the Bees' promotion to the Premier League. As the injuries have stacked up for Thomas Frank's side in recent months, he's even become a regular, making seven straight starts in the Premier League for the first time ever.

Seeing him depart to represent Iran while Brentford are on such a woeful run of form - they've lost seven of their last eight matches - is not the way Frank wanted to start the new year.

Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)

Few Premier League players are as exhilarating to watch as Mitoma, and his development over the past few years is a big reason why Japan looked well placed to lift the trophy in Qatar.

The winger has had a similarly transformative effect at Brighton and the Seagulls will miss him a great deal. Fortunately, he won't miss any European games after Roberto De Zerbi's side topped their Europa League group.

 

Wataru Endo (Liverpool)

Endo wasn't the most exciting summer signing, with the Japan captain being hurriedly signed after Liverpool missed out on their top targets following the departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to the Saudi Pro League.

However, he has emerged as a solid option for the Reds, already racking up 24 appearances at the base of midfield. With Liverpool light in the middle of the park, his winter absence is set to further compound Jurgen Klopp's misery.

Son Heung-min (Tottenham)

Ange Postecoglou will have to find a way to cope without Tottenham's offensive talisman - and the headline attraction of the Asian Cup - over the next few weeks. After Harry Kane departed for Bayern Munich, Son was under serious pressure to perform - and he's risen to the challenge.

The South Korea star departs for the tournament having scored 12 Premier League goals as well as providing five assists, helping Spurs keep in touch with the top four despite suffering a string of injuries. Whether they'll be in the same position when he returns remains to be seen.

Hwang Hee-chan (Wolves)

Hwang is currently enjoying the best season of his career so far. Emerging as Wolves' principal scoring threat - something they've sorely needed in recent years - the South Korean is already in double figures for goals in the Premier League.

Alongside Son, his performances will be a significant determining factor in whether Jurgen Klinsmann's side end their 64-year wait for an Asian Cup triumph this winter.

Justin Hubner (Wolves)

Hubner became the latest Netherlands-born player to declare for Indonesia in December 2023. Prior to that, he had represented both nations at youth level, so tying him down was quite the coup for Shin Tae-yong's side.

Wolves likely won't miss him much - Hubner is yet to make a senior appearance for the Premier League club - and they will be pleased to see him gaining valuable experience at a major tournament.