Fabregas effect? Senegal lose Assane Diao to injury ahead of AFCON 2025

Senegal have confirmed that winger Assane Diao will miss the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations after suffering an injury while playing for Italian side Como.

Diao sustained a muscular injury during Como’s league match against Roma. Medical examinations later confirmed that the 20-year-old would not recover in time to take part in the continental tournament, forcing the Senegalese technical staff to exclude him from the final squad.

Morocco will host the Africa Cup of Nations from December 21 until January 18, 2026, with several European clubs set to lose key players during the tournament.

The player has returned to Italy to continue his rehabilitation program with Como, dealing a fresh blow to the Lions of Teranga ahead of the AFCON kickoff.

Fabregas speaks

Meanwhile, Como head coach Cesc Fàbregas revealed that he had opposed Diao’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, the Spanish coach explained the situation surrounding the player’s absence.

“Assane Diao suffered a muscular injury before joining Senegal for AFCON preparations,” Fàbregas said.

He added: “I’m always happy when one of my players joins his national team, but I asked for a bit of common sense. He has barely played over the past eight months due to recurring injuries.”

Fàbregas also admitted some doubt over using the player against Roma, saying: “Maybe I shouldn’t have played him against Roma, and I apologise for that. But he played because he will be away from us for five months, and we are the ones paying his salary. At least let him play a little with us.”

The former Spain international went on to criticise comments attributed to Senegal’s head coach, stating: “The Senegal coach told me that if Diao didn’t come, he wouldn’t go to the World Cup. That’s unfair, as it exploits the fears of a 20-year-old player. That’s not right.”

Fàbregas’ remarks sparked backlash from Senegalese fans, who strongly criticised the Como coach for his statements.

Assane Diao joined Como in the summer of 2025 from Real Betis. Since his arrival, he has made six appearances in Serie A and one in the Coppa Italia, without registering a goal or an assist so far.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.