European clubs were often critical of the decision to host the tournament in January and February, leading to a change in the format after the 2017 tournament. Last year's finals were held in Egypt over the summer, with Riyad Mahrez's Algeria beating Sadio Mane's Senegal in the final, but after just one summer tournament a switch back to the beginning of the year has been agreed for for 2021 in Cameroon. The issue was discussed on Wednesday, with Confederation of African Football president Ahmad Ahmad believed to be the major force in favour of the move. (Image: Action Images via Reuters)Arsenal could also be missing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should he choose to play for Gabon at the tournament, while Nicolas Pepe would also feature for the Ivory Coast. Manchester City's Algerian star Mahrez and the Ivory Coast trio of Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha, Tottenham right-back Serge Aurier and Manchester United's Eric Bailly could also be called up.

Source: Daily Mirror January 15, 2020 12:32 UTC