Assane Diao returns to Como after several weeks out | OneFootball

Good news for the Lions of Teranga

Assane Diao returns to Como after several weeks out

Assane Diao rejoins the Como squad after several months on the sidelines. The Senegalese striker could make his comeback against Lecce this weekend, according to head coach Cesc Fabregas.

Assane Diao is back! Sidelined since December 2025, the Senegalese forward is set to rejoin the group for the clash with Lecce. After a long rehabilitation process, Diao is edging closer to the pitch. The young Como striker, out since suffering a hamstring injury, will be called up by Cesc Fabregas this weekend.

A long wait for Diao

On December 15, 2025, Assane Diao injured his right hamstring during an away match at AS Roma. Just after being called up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, the young talent was forced to pull out. Since then, the Ndongane native has spent weeks in rehabilitation, initially hoping to return after six weeks. In the end, nearly nine months passed before a comeback became a real possibility.

Fabregas makes it official

This Friday, in a press conference, Cesc Fabregas confirmed that Diao will be back in the squad for the game against Lecce: "Diao will be called up, but he won’t start. We have to be very careful with him." A gradual return is planned to protect the player and avoid any relapse.

This lengthy absence had caused concern and frustration among Senegalese fans and the national team staff, with Pape Thiaw criticizing the Italian club’s management of the player. Now, Diao’s comeback is eagerly anticipated by both Como and Senegalese supporters.