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Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a hugely successful start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, sitting top of the table after eight games. The Lillywhites are above local rivals Arsenal in second place as they have scored more goals than Mikel Arteta's side so far this term.

Two players that have been instrumental to Spurs' success are midfielders Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma. The talented duo have formed a formidable trio alongside James Maddison in the heart of Ange Postecoglou's side.

But the north London outfit will likely be without Sarr and Bissouma when they take part in the Africa Cup of Nations in the New Year. The tournament kicks off on January 13, 2024, meaning Premier League players who are called up could be away from domestic football for as long as a month considering the final is due to take place on February 11.

Therefore, assuming the duo are picked to represent their nations, they will definitely miss Tottenham's league fixture away to Manchester United on January 13 even if they are knocked out in the group stage. Mali and Senegal have just found out who they have in their respective groups.

Sarr's side will lock horns with The Gambia, Cameroon and Guinea over a place in the knockout stages whilst Bissouma will face Tunisia, South Africa and Namibia. Should either of their countries progress to the final, which is set to be played on February 11, they would then miss some massive games for Spurs, of course including the aforementioned meeting against United.

On January 30, Tottenham will host Brentford to N17 before facing Everton at Goodison Park four days later. Then, on February 10, the north Londoners will play Brighton & Hove Albion on home turf.

If Spurs progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup, they will also miss this game too. The aforementioned Arsenal will be without holding midfielders Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey, who will be playing for Egypt and Ghana respectively.

Meanwhile, the Asian Cup has somewhat similar dates, starting one day earlier (January 12, 2024) and ending one day before as well (February 10). Spurs captain Son Heung-min will be playing in that tournament with South Korea.

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