Ivory Coast called up Amad for the Africa Cup of Nations, which began on Sunday. The Elephants start their tournament against Mozambique on Christmas Eve, before facing Cameroon four days later and concluding the group stage on New Year's Eve versus Gabon. Only eight teams go home before the knockout rounds, and as reigning champions, the Ivory Coast are among the favourites to win this edition. The round of 16 spans 3-5 January, with the quarter-finals taking place across the 9th and 10th. Both semi-finals are on 14 January, with the final taking place four days later on 18 January. The third-place play-off is a day earlier than the final. (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images) 1 of 7
Ruben Amorim has said "it's going to be a while" before Bruno Fernandes is back because he believes the player's issue is a soft tissue injury. At least, it appears the problem will sideline him until January. Fernandes must now also be a doubt for upcoming matches in the New Year against Arsenal and Manchester City. The former is United's final match in January, with six games to come between now and then. The former is United's final match in January, with six games to come between now and then. Their spell without Fernandes starts with Newcastle United on Boxing Day. (Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag) 2 of 7
Bryan Mbemuo, like Amad, is at the Africa Cup of Nations this winter, representing Cameroon. The Indomitable Lions are alongside the Ivory Coast in Group F, facing off on 28 December in their second group stage match. Progression to the knockout stages is the expectation for both sides, with Cameroon doing so in each of the last four editions. If they make that five in a row, Mbeumo is likely to miss United's next four matches. Reaching the quarter-finals will see the forward away around the FA Cup third-round weekend. Further progression from there may endanger his involvement in the Manchester derby. (Image: SmartFrame/SportImage) 3 of 7
A return in the New Year appears most likely for Harry Maguire. The defender has already missed a month after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. United have already gone six consecutive matches without their former captain. That could soon increase to eight if he is not back before the end of December. The visit to Leeds United on 4 January is a possible return date, with a trip to Burnley following three days later. Failing a comeback taking place in either of those fixtures, there is the FA Cup third round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion. (Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag) 4 of 7