Sheffield United Set To Lose Duo
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Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is expected to be without duo Yasser Larouci and Anis Slimane as the pair head to the Ivory Coast to represent their native countries Algeria and Tunisia in the African Nations Cup.
The competition, which runs from 13th January to 11th February, was due to take place in Ivory Coast in 2023, however, the Confederation of Africa (CAF) authorities moved the tournament to 2024 due to weather conditions.
Both departing players were signed in the summer by former Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom. Defender Larouci (pictured), formerly with Liverpool, was signed on a seasons-long loan deal from French club Troyes, whilst midfielder Slimane joined from Danish club Bróndby.
Of course, how long they will be absent from Bramall Lane will all depend on their countries’ progression in the competition.
Algeria have been drawn in Group D and will face Angloa, Burkino Faso, and Mauritania. Meanwhile, Tunisia has been placed in Group E along with Namibia, Mali, and South Africa. The two countries, potentially, could face each other in the first knockout round should Algeria finish second in their group, whilst Tunisia win their group.