Fabregas Urges Assane Diao to Skip Africa Cup of Nations

Assane Diao’s Africa Cup of Nations call-up has sparked controversy, with Como head coach Cesc Fabregas firmly stating that the young Senegalese winger should not join his national team at this crucial moment. Fabregas, prioritizing the player’s health and Como’s Serie A ambitions, has called Diao’s participation in the upcoming tournament “illogical” given his recent injury struggles.

Assane Diao’s Injury Woes and Comeback

Assane Diao, 20, made a promising start with Como after transferring from Real Betis in January. His debut Serie A campaign saw him net eight goals and provide an assist in just 15 appearances, quickly cementing his importance in Fabregas’ squad. However, a serious foot injury in April sidelined Diao for over seven months, forcing him to miss the end of last season and the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

He finally returned to action in late October, featuring for 45 minutes against Parma. As Fabregas slowly reintegrated the winger into the lineup, Diao’s recovery seemed on track. Yet, his fortunes changed when he was called up to the Senegal national team this month despite ongoing fitness concerns.

“Illogical” Call-Up: Fabregas Prioritizes Como’s Needs

Fabregas expressed frustration over Diao’s selection for Senegal, especially as the player was still nursing an adductor problem. After limited participation in Senegal’s training camp, Diao suffered a new hamstring injury and was promptly sent back to Italy for further treatment.

For Fabregas, the timing could not be worse. “He’s been out for seven months, he’s played three games, now he’s going to the national team, he’ll get injured and be out again. For me, it doesn’t make sense. They won’t care, but we want what’s best for the player. He shouldn’t go,” Fabregas stated, highlighting the risks of rushing Diao back into international action.

Como’s Serie A Ambitions Hang in the Balance

Como’s strong return to Serie A has seen them climb to eighth place after 11 matches, losing only once. Fabregas’ side now faces a critical run of fixtures, starting with an away clash against Torino, who trail them by just four points. A victory would push Como into sixth above Juventus, underlining the importance of keeping key players like Diao fit and available.

Fabregas is determined to approach each match with focus and ambition, emphasizing the need to capitalize on scoring opportunities and maintain defensive solidity. “Every match must be approached at our best. We need to be more ambitious and get more points than we currently have,” he noted as Como prepare to challenge Torino’s six-game unbeaten streak.

Upcoming Fixtures Could Define Como’s Season

After Torino, Como faces a challenging schedule that includes Sassuolo at home, an away trip to Inter at San Siro, and a tough match against Roma. The outcome of these matches could determine Como’s objectives for the rest of the season and further justifies Fabregas’ cautious approach regarding Diao’s fitness.

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Opinion: Club vs. Country – A Delicate Balance

Fabregas’ stance on Assane Diao’s Africa Cup of Nations call-up highlights a recurring debate in football: balancing club commitments with national team dreams. While representing Senegal is a significant honor for Diao, his recent injury history and Como’s pivotal position in Serie A make Fabregas’ caution understandable. Ultimately, the decision should prioritize the player’s long-term health—not just short-term gains for either side.