It is expected that at least 30 English premier league footballers could be lost to the MTN Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ghana in January, sparking yet another intense debate over the timing of the tournament.

Chelsea and Portsmouth are sure to lose four key players, while Arsenal could have three regulars gone for up to six weeks.

Other clubs to be affected will be Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Everton, Fulham, Middlesbrough. Newcastle United, Portsmouth, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Wigan Athletic.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and Michael Essien have already called for a change in dates but there has been response from the Confederation of African football.