Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp fears the African Cup of Nations could wreck their European ambitions.
Four Africans played as Pompey beat Newcastle 4-1 on Saturday to strengthen their top four credentials.
But the prospect of losing the likes of Sulley Muntari, Papa Bouba Diop and John Utaka in January fills Redknapp with dread.
"We're strong but we'll lose four or five players for the Nations Cup and that will leave us short," he said.
The African Cup of Nations begins on 20 January, with the final being played on 10 February.
Redknapp acknowledged that Portsmouth's challenge will be affected more than most of their Premier League rivals by the tournament in Ghana.
