Premier League clubs believe next month’s Africa Cup of Nations will be postponed due to the escalating coronavirus situation around the world.
The competition, due to take place in Cameroon from January 9-February 6, would mean a number of top-flight players leaving their clubs to join up with their national teams.
Yet Sportsmail understands that despite denials from CAF, the governing body for African football, the tournament is in serious danger.
The spread of the Omicron variant around the world has left European clubs even more nervous about releasing their players.