Everton have so far announced only one pre-season friendly this summer, Kariobangi Sharks in Nairobi, Kenya on July 7. Idrissa Gueye will miss the non-competitive clash and potentially many more that month as he’ll be in Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Gueye was selected in the Senegal squad on Friday which could see him absent for more than five weeks if his side go all the way. The Africa Cup of Nations’ group stages begin on June 21 while the final of the tournament is on July 19. Everton are expected to name a number of friendlies in July, but Gueye could miss a handful of games due to his international duties.
The 29-year-old may be handed a late holiday after finishing the tournament which could keep him out for the remainder of July too. The 2019/20 Premier League campaign begins on August 10 so there’s every chance Gueye could start the season, but Marco Silva will have to manage him well to ensure he doesn’t burn out due to being overplayed.
Senegal’s first game of the Africa Cup of Nations is against Tanzania on June 23. Gueye’s side were drawn in Group C with Kenya and Algeria making up the four teams.
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