African Cup of Nations

A few of us have turned our attentions to longer term replacements and transfer targets to fill our rosters into the Christmas period and beyond. A factor to consider is the 2010 African Cup of Nations that runs from 10 - 31 January. However, recent reports suggest that some players could leave as early as 27 December to allow for them to prepare for the tournament. Players will miss gameweeks 20-22 for the group stage and up to gameweek 24 for teams that reach the final four.
Below is a list of players likely to miss at least some time due to the tournament:

• Alex Song
• Emmanuel Eboue
• Andre Bikey
• Michael Essien
• Jon Obi Mikel
• Solomon Kalou
• Didier Drogba
• Joseph Yobo
• Yakubu
• John Paintsil
• Seyi Olofinjana
• Kamel Ghilas
• Daniel Cousin
  
• Kolo Toure
• Emmanuel Adebayor
  
• Aruna Dindane
• Nadir Belhadj
• Hassan Yebda
  
• Mamady Sidibe
  
• John Mensah
  
• Sebastien Bassong
  
• Benoit Assou Ekotto

The headlines are of course the Chelsea and City players but the loss of players like Assou Ekotto, Bikey and Bassong will be blows to many fantasy teams and plans must be made as soon as possible to start rotating these players out of your squad.
You have at least 5 weeks to make these moves so don't panic, and the likes of Drogba and Adebayor should be held as long as possible. If you some of the others on your bench though, I would consider moving them as soon as possible.