Both Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho look likely to be called up by Senegal whilst Alex Song looks set for inclusion in the Cameroon squad.
The competition takes place between January 17 and February 8 which would rule the trio out for games against Hull (h), Liverpool (a). Manchester United and Southampton (a).
It’s the kind of situation experienced by other successful Premier League sides and again shows the strides the Irons are making this season.
A source said: “It’s a double-edged sword. You want top players but having got them you will face situations such as this.
“Having said that it demonstrates that the Hammers are very much back in the big time.”