The 2012 African Cup Of Nations is set to begin on the 21st of January until the 12th of February, so we thought with not long to go it may be worthwhile figuring out which teams are going to be most affected by players departing for this competition.

Players Involved In The African Cup Of Nations

Starting with the teams at the top end of the Premier League, Biram Diouf of Senegal appears to be the only Manchester United player affected which isn't likely to affect the club much at all as he is probably their 6th choice striker.

Thierry Henry has agreed to rejoin Arsenal on a two-month loan deal from New York Red Bulls, Arsene Wenger has confirmed.

The former Gunners captain, who left the club for Barcelona in 2007, has been training at London Colney during the Major League Soccer off-season and has impressed Wenger who is looking for short-term cover while Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh are away on Africa Cup of Nations Duty.

Anxiety? Not needed.

A pulsating showcase, carefully imagined by Andre Villas-Boas and anchored by the irresistible Didier Drogba, sees our beloved Chelsea into the knockout stages of the Champions League once again. As group winners, too, no less. This, my friends, was a night to cherish.

Happiness is a warm brace

What to say, what to say.

I think many of us were looking forward to seeing the face of Michael Essien on English Premier League pitches some time this holiday season. It looks like we're going to have to wait a bit longer, however.

Not quite ready

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, speaking at his pre-Wigan press conference, touched on Essien's progress or lack thereof.

Under fire Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has gotten backing from coach Andre Villas- Boas concerning his future with the club. The Spanish international who was bought from Liverpool in January for £50 million, has consistently been included in Chelsea's starting 11 in spite of his lack of goals.

Manchester City and Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure was yesterday named African Player of the Year 2011 in a lavish gala ceremony in Accra Ghana. The 28 year old who has had a fantastic start to the EPL this season, beat Mali's Seydou Keita and Ghana's Andre Ayew who finished second and third respectively to win the award and become only the second Ivorian since Didier Drogba to win the award.

As most of you will no doubt be aware, the Africa Cup of Nations will be taking place next month. This incredibly awkward competition is held bi-annually, unlike the European Championships which are held every four years. Also unlike the Euros, it is also usually held right in the middle of the bloody football season!

As most of you will no doubt be aware, the Africa Cup of Nations will be taking place next month. This incredibly awkward competition is held bi-annually, unlike the European Championships which are held every four years. Also unlike the Euros, it is also usually held right in the middle of the bloody football season!