Assane Diao faces extended injury layoff – Como boss Fabregas

Manager of Italian Serie A club Como 1907, Cesc Fabregas, has confirmed that Senegalese forward Assane Diao’s injury could keep him out of action until March contrary to speculations of an early return.

The 20-year-old is grappling with a hamstring injury, a discomfort that saw him miss the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations where the Teranga Lions lifted their second trophy after a 1-0 win over hosts Morocco.

In a press conference last Saturday before their Serie A clash against Atalanta, Cesc Fàbregas gave an update on the injury situation of the former Real Betis forward.

“I think we’ll have to wait until March. He’ll start training with the group in about three weeks, but his recovery is slower than expected.

We have to be very careful. He’ll need to be treated like a new signing for the last three months of the season.”

. @Como_1907, Fabregas: “Diao non tornerà prima di marzo. Morata? Non ha più di un tempo nelle gambe” 👉 https://t.co/AXdKqK70Jt pic.twitter.com/6G0bCWvN6y

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) January 31, 2026

The winger’s injury was a subject of cold war between club and country, where Como boss Cesc Fabregas raised concerns over Diao’s AFCON invitation by coach Pape Thiaw.

Diao has been plagued by injuries since April 2025, a situation that has limited him to just six matches without a goal.

On 7 January 2025, Betis announced Diao’s transfer to Como in a deal reported to be in the region of €12 million. Born in Senegal, Diao represented Spain at the U-18, U-19 and the U-21 before opting to switch allegiance back to his homeland. He has made two appearances for Senegal and is yet to score for the two-time African champions.