Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign has been dealt a significant blow following the confirmed withdrawal of 20-year-old forward Assane Diao.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) announced over the weekend that the Como winger sustained a Grade 2 hamstring injury in his right leg during a Serie A match against AS Roma last Monday. Medical experts estimate a recovery period of six to eight weeks, effectively ending his tournament before it began.
The injury has sparked a heated row between Como manager Cesc Fàbregas and the Senegalese coaching staff. Fàbregas revealed he had personally requested the federation not to select Diao, who has been plagued by recurring fitness issues.
“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,” Fàbregas told Sky Sport Italia, criticizing the alleged pressure placed on the youngster.
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