It may be winter but Floyd Ayite and Neeskens Kebano start their Africa Cup of Nations campaign for Togo and Congo, respectively, next week 3,000 miles away in Gabon and with Slavisa Jokanovic wanting the best of both worlds.
The Fulham players could face each other on January 24 in their final group game but Whites boss Jokanovic hopes they will be back home after that.
“I am Fulham’s coach,” said the Serb. “I hope they come back quickly. I wish my players all the best. I want them to score eight goals in three games and come back home after that.”
Togo start their campaign against Ivory Coast at 4pm today (Monday) with Congo facing Morocco at 7pm.
Friday sees Kebano take on the Ivory Coast while Ayite will be challenging Morocco in the evening.
Were either side to progress, the quarter final is on the weekend of January 28 so the pair could miss the FA Cup tie with Hull.
The semi finals are of February 1 and February 2, meaning they would miss the trip to Burton Albion.
Were either side to reach the final, that takes place on February 5 so they would miss a visit to Birmingham.
