Jamie Hinks reviews the key players leaving the Premier League for the Africa Cup of Nations and the Asian Cup, and gives his best replacement options.
Romelu Lukaku will get an extra week off to recover from his ankle injury, as he's ineligible to play against his parent club this weekend.
After finishing up a warm-weather training trip in Egypt, Wayne Rooney looks set to return to a Manchester United side that will also include newly-signed Juan Mata.
Aaron Ramsey looks set to return for Arsenal, after sitting out since Boxing Day with a thigh injury.
Yaya Toure suffered an ankle injury in Wednesday's FA Cup rout of West Ham, and he faces a late fitness test ahead of Sunday's match at Newcastle.
Robin van Persie could make his return after battling a thigh injury for most of December.
Sergio Aguero is expected to miss at least a month due to the calf injury he suffered in last weekend's tilt with Arsenal.