When Drama Hits the Pitch: Fabregas Calls Out Senegal’s AFCON Pick Amid Diawo Injury

Context and Fallout

Como head coach Cesc Fabregas publicly challenged Senegal coach Papi Thiao over his decision to include Como winger Assani Diawo in the AFCON squad, sparking a debate about timing, trust, and player fitness.

In recent days, Fabregas admitted he had an unpleasant conversation with Thiao about Diawo’s international prospects and his potential role in Africa Cup of Nations, which starts soon.

Diawo suffered a groin injury during Monday’s match against Roma after a quick sprint toward goal, leaving the field in the 37th minute and risking missing the tournament with Senegal.

Fabregas, speaking to the Italian outlet Football Italia, said: “Diawo hurt his groin during that sprint to goal. It’s hard to be fully candid after a match, since we face criticism anyway, but I’ll try.”

He added: “I admire national teams, and it’s a real achievement for any player to be called up, but he has barely played in eight months due to recurring injuries and inconsistent form.”

Fabregas also argued that Diawo’s recall should be tempered by reason, noting the player has not featured regularly; he suggested Diawo might skip the tournament this time.

He explained that Diawo might not need to play against Roma either, but he picked him because Diawo would leave the next morning and miss five weeks, so Como would pay his salary and he could at least participate for a bit.

Asked what made the talk with Thiao tense, Fabregas quoted: “The coach said if Diawo doesn’t join us, he won’t play in the World Cup. That’s unfair and preys on the player's fears; Diawo is twenty with a long career ahead. I don’t agree with that action; it isn’t fair or right.”

Punchlines (gentle zingers to end on a lighter note): In football, egos sprint faster than players do—hopefully Diawo’s injury update doesn’t sprint away with his career. And if this saga were a transfer, it would come with a human‑interest clause and a big laugh fee.