Impact of CAN 2025 on OM's season?

The 2025 AFCON: A Real Headache for OM?

The question comes up every summer, friends: will the Africa Cup of Nations derail our season? With the 2025 edition scheduled from December 21 to January 18, right in the middle of Ligue 1 turmoil, one might wonder if OM will have to manage without several key players. We all remember the heated debates two years ago, when some criticized Longoria for "betting too much" on African players. But this year, is it still a real issue?

A squad (almost) spared... for now

Looking at our current squad, the first piece of good news is that we shouldn't experience a major exodus. Ngapandouetnbu and Moumbagna? Their potential departure with Cameroon won't change the locker room hierarchy; they're no longer in De Zerbi's plans. Same for Harit and Ounahi, who remain bench options for Morocco. Kondogbia? He won't even see the AFCON, as the Central African Republic is out of the game.

Do you see any other names that could shake up the Commanderie? Besides Bilal Nadir, whose selection would be a surprise, we don't really see much reason to panic on that front. Feel free to share if you have any info or intuition about other potentially concerned Marseillais!

The real hot case: Gouiri (and maybe Aubameyang?)

Where it gets tricky is with Amine Gouiri. Just naturalized Algerian, the guy wants to make an impression with the Fennecs. Imagine him absent for a whole month right when Ligue 1 restarts after the holidays! If Algeria goes far in the competition — and given their current level, it's not impossible — we might miss him at the forefront of the attack.

And if we're talking about a potential return of Aubameyang (some still believe in it!), we also have to factor Gabon into the equation. Losing Gouiri and Aubam at the same time? Admit it, it starts to smell like a Trafalgar coup. In that case, keeping Maupay as a joker wouldn't be such a bad idea, would it? Let's discuss: should we sacrifice a spot for a "luxury substitute" or bet everything on the starters?

Schedule and real impact: Should we really worry?

The 2025 AFCON starts exceptionally early: as of December 21. So, the "risky" matches for OM would be the 17th and 18th days of Ligue 1, plus a possible 1/16th of the Coupe de France. Nothing insurmountable, especially if the winter break gives us a breather. But let's be honest: even two key absences at the same time can be enough to disrupt our momentum. So, strategy or gamble? We want your opinions on that!

Conclusion: Cautious, but no need to panic... for now

In the end, friends, the 2025 AFCON doesn't seem like a giant trap for OM. But here, we remain cautious: a transfer window moves quickly, and a surprise signing can come along fast. And you, what do you think about the squad management with the AFCON in mind? Is there a plan B to prepare, or do we trust Longoria and De Zerbi blindly? We're waiting for your reactions in the comments, because OM, it's all of us!