The Premier League players missing games for the 2023 Asian Cup

As if the hectic winter period wasn't hard enough for Premier League managers, they also have two international tournaments to contend with at the beginning of next year.

As well as the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, there is also the 2023 Asian Cup to contend with.

While there are significantly fewer Premier League stars travelling to Qatar for the tournament, which takes place between 12 January and 10 February 2024, there will still be some pivotal absentees for the division's top teams.

Let's take a look at who could be missing in the Premier League during the 2023 Asian Cup.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Travelling to the 2023 Asian Cup with one of the tournament's favourites Japan, the Arsenal right-back could be missing for four games in the Premier League with the Gunners, including a big clash with Liverpool at the beginning of February.

Tomiyasu, while not an automatic starter for Arsenal, could prove a big miss with plenty of cup games coming at the beginning of 2024, as well as some important league matches. With Japan likely to make their way deep into the tournament, Ben White may be forced to play a little more football than he would like.

Premier League games Tomiyasu could miss

Saman Ghoddos

Representing three-time Asian Cup champions Iran at next year's tournament, Saman Ghoddos will probably not be the biggest miss for Brentford. Thomas Frank has utilised the attacker from the bench this season, bringing him on for all five of his Premier League appearances.

Ghoddos did score an absolute belter for the Bees in a 3-0 win against Burnley earlier this term, but Frank should be able to replace the 30-year-old.

Premier League games Ghoddos could miss

Kaoru Mitoma

Much like international compatriot Tomiyasu, Kaoru Mitoma is likely to help Japan deep into the tournament next year. The Brighton winger has been in electric form over the last 18 months and will undoubtedly be the key attacking threat for his nation in Qatar.

Brighton will find it difficult to replace the 26-year-old, although they do have a certain Ansu Fati to help carry the burden. Mitoma has already provided six Premier League goal contributions this term and Roberto De Zerbi will need to replace his creativity.

Premier League games Mitoma could miss

Wataru Endo

Despite not being the summer signing Liverpool supporters were expecting, Wataru Endo is beginning to showcase his quality at Anfield. The Japanese midfielder is improving for the Reds and has started to become an important rotation option for Jurgen Klopp.

However, Liverpool will be without the Japan captain for a minimum of one Premier League match and potentially a few cup games. Endo could also miss big games with Chelsea and Arsenal should he help his country to the latter stages of the tournament in Qatar.

Premier League games Endo could miss

Son Heung-min

With Tottenham topping the Premier League table at present, Ange Postecoglou will have one eye nervously glancing at the beginning of next year. Not only will the Australian coach be missing Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr at 2023 AFCON, captain Son Heung-min will also be absent.

Son has been in scintillating form for the Lilywhites this season, building a blossoming relationship with James Maddison. The South Korean, who will expect to go far at the Asian Cup, has produced eight goals already this season and could miss up to four games in the league, including difficult clashes with Manchester United and Brighton.

Premier League games Son could miss

Hwang Hee-chan

Teaming up with fellow countryman Son next year, Hwang Hee-chan will have similar hopes of securing a first title for South Korea since 1960. The Wolves forward has been in brilliant form for the Old Gold this season, scoring six in the top flight already.

Gary O'Neil has leant on the 27-year-old heavily this season but could be missing him for some crucial games, including challenging matches against Brighton, Man Utd and Chelsea.

Premier League games Hwang could miss

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