African Cup of Nations

I was just about to raise the question will this tournament even go ahead if this new covid variant restricts travel even more, especially around Africa?

If the tournament does go ahead it could cause teams like us even more of a headache because players may be forced to isolate for 10 days on their return, and that could potentially be another 3 matches missed.

Is it right that Chair would have been available for Bournemouth had it been played on Boxing Day, but because it's moved to 27th he will now be unavailable?

When we made the 4th Round in 2020 the Blackburn match was just moved to the Tuesday after, so that may not help us, although maybe we'd argue for a rearrangement later in the season.

Without Chair it will be a massive opportunity for Amos perhaps to play further forward. Maybe Johansen could play higher with 2 behind. George Thomas has a lot to prove if he gets a chance. Duke-McKenna must be chomping at the bit for an opportunity. We do at least have lots of options.

I wouldn't be be surprised if the tournament is postponed or more likely played behind closed doors with the teams staying in bubbles. I know in the main players want to play for the countries but I wonder is Senny is thinking "I could stay home and keep my place or I could go and keep the bench warm" ?

Watch this space. there must be conversations going on between the organisers and clubs. I cant see many teams wanting their players away for more than is needed.

Chair, Dieng and whos the 3rd? Albert?

Edit: just read its Kakay

and with the squad the way it is Kakay will be needed almost as badly as the other 2

OMG!

gonna be a struggle to get to these play offs

We've not won a league match without Ilias Chair since 2019. Admittedly he doesn't miss many games, but he's still such a key player.

They've known for a long time that he'll be going, so let's hope they already know the shape they will use in his absence.

This is a bloody nightmare to be honest...Chair and Willock are a team within a team...I can't remember which game it was but there was one eralier this season when one of them didn't play and the opposition just doubled up on the remaining one and that was the end of our creativity.

So it's not just about losing Chairs skill it's also about hindering what Willock can do without him.