Assane Diao set to make Como return against AS Roma

Como head coach Cesc Fabregas has hinted at having Senegal striker Assane Diao back in the squad for their Serie A fixture against AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia Djarum on Saturday.

Diao, who suffered suffered a muscle strain, returned to action in Como’s 3-1 victory against Lecce on Saturday on February 28. Diao played the remainder of the match and could have scored his first goal in almost a year in the 86th minute.

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.

Ahead of their AS Roma fixure, Fabregas as confirmed Diao will be available for selection. After a brilliant start to his Serie A campaign, scoring eight goals in his first 15 matches, Assane Diao has struggled for almost a year.

Diao will likely make the team

He trained very well with us all week, and tomorrow (Saturday), if all goes well, he’ll be in the team. But it’s nothing serious,” said Fabregas.

“He’s technically gifted, good at dribbling, and can play on either the right or left wing. A good player always knows how to make do.”

After the game, Como’s coach Cesc Fabregas, said on Diao: “In five minutes, we saw what we’ve been missing for 11 months, and we hope to see him back in top form soon.”

Born in Senegal, Diao moved to Spain at the age of three and has dual citizenship. He played for the nation’s U-19 team at the 2023 UEFA European U-19 Championship.

In 2025, Diao’s request to switch international allegiance to Senegal was approved by FIFA.

Diao missed 2025 AFCON in Morocco

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.