The Premier League players on Asian Cup duty

The 2023 Asian Cup starts next week and it will see a number of Premier League clubs lose access to important players. 

As many as eight top-flight footballers could be unavailable during a tournament that runs until February 10.

Ahead of the Asian Cup, here is the breakdown of the top talents that have been called up. 

Heung-Min Son (Tottenham)

The headline Premier League star that will be unavailable is Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son, who is also the skipper of South Korea. 

He is the top scorer for Spurs this season with 12 goals from 20 top-flight appearances. Often used as a striker by Ange Postecoglou, he has reverted to the wing in recent games. 

The decision to shift Richarlison back into the centre forward role was no doubt prompted by Son's upcoming absence and the Brazilian has since scored five goals in as many games. 

Hee Chan Hwang (Wolves)

Another South Korean who has been a regular scorer in the Premier League this season is Hee Chan Hwang.

The Wolves forward has scored 10 goals in 20 matches, making a massive contribution to a surprisingly strong campaign for Gary O'Neil's team. 

With an additional three assists, Hwang's talents will be missed. Pedro Neto's return from the bench in the 3-0 win over Everton has softened the blow. 

Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal)

Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is one of a trio of Premier League players who will be representing Japan. 

Though not always a regular starter for the Gunners, the 25-year-old defender has played 20 games in all competitions and his versatility is a useful tool for Mikel Arteta. 

Tomiyasu has been used as a right-back, left-back and central defender for Arsenal this season and it is in the latter position that he is likely to be appear for the 2019 runners-up.

Wataru Endo (Liverpool)

The captain of Japan is Wataru Endo, who joined Liverpool from Stuttgart last August.

He has become an important part of Jurgen Klopp's team, making a total of 24 appearances this season and starting in the Reds' last six Premier League matches. 

Though the defensive midfielder will be an undoubted loss for Liverpool, they have been boosted by the return of Alexis Mac Allister, who replaced Endo in Monday's 4-2 win over Newcastle. 

Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)

Kaoru Mitoma's inclusion in Japan's Asian Cup squad has caused a shock at Brighton, with the winger having picked up an ankle injury in the recent Premier League match with Crystal Palace. 

Seagulls manager Roberto De Zerbi said: "I'm really surprised because my medical staff told me Mitoma needs four, six weeks for his injury. For me, it's difficult to think he can play in the Asian Cup." 

In contrast, Japan expect Mitoma to be available at some point during the tournament. If that is the case, Brighton will be desperately hoping the gifted player does not aggravate the injury. 

Other players

Wolves will also be without their 20-year-old Indonesian centre-back Justin Hubner. He has yet to make his debut for the club. 

That is also true of the defender Kim Ji-soo at Brentford, who has been called up by Jurgen Klinsmann for South Korea, despite being uncapped.

The Bees will also lose Iran utility man Saman Ghoddos. He is a bigger loss, having started the West Londoners' last seven Premier League games.