Assane Diao: Fabregas explains why striker missed Cagliari fixture

Como head coach Cesc Fabregas has explained his decision to leave out Senegal striker Assane Diao for their 2-1 Serie A win against Cagliari at Unipol Domus on Saturday.

Despite making two substitute appearances for Como since returning from injury and being called up to face Cagliari, Diao was not included in Lariani’s matchday squad.

The Lion of Teranga was dropped to the stands as Como registered their 14th victory of the campaign to move fourth on the table.

‘We don’t want to take any risks’

“He trained very well for the last two weeks. Yesterday (Friday), he wasn’t feeling well,” Fabregas told Como website.

“We brought him in, we called him up, but we did a trial (this Saturday morning) to see how he felt. He’s not ready.

“We don’t want to take any risks. It’s nothing serious, nothing major, but since it’s the final stretch of the season, we want everyone to be healthy and we don’t want to put anyone at risk.”

Diao missed 2025 AFCON owing to injury

A hamstring injury had forced Diao to withdraw from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, and sidelined him for nearly three months.

But the 20-year-old returned to the pitch against Lecce (3-1) in Serie A on February 28, where his coach was quick to highlight his qualities .

This brief appearance was followed by around twenty minutes in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter Milan (0-0).

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.