The five key Africa Cup of Nations departures

1. Yaya Toure

Perhaps no player was as influential in Manchester City's first Premier League triumph as Yaya Toure in the 2011-12 season. The tireless midfielder has perhaps not yet hit the heights of last season on a regular basis, as can be said of the likes of Joe Hart and Vincent Kompany, but they possess no other player like him.

The jury remains somewhat out on new signing Javi Garcia, who Roberto Mancini, it might be imagined, had envisaged pairing with Toure rather than Gareth Barry. Garcia and Barry have generally competed for the same holding role up until this point and Mancini may be concerned at the thrust and drive the City midfield will lose without the Ivory Coast star, whose brother, Kolo, will also join up with the Elephants.

Toure could miss up to five matches in the Premier League, as well as City's FA Cup fourth round tie, including the match against Arsenal that he was unavailable for on Sunday. There, David Platt's claim that the 29-year-old's absence was "irrelevant" looked more credible as City cruised to a 2-0 victory. Mancini, who also has injuries to deal with, has been more wary, admitting: "Yes, we could have a problem."

Monday 14 January 2013 2:00 PM