Côme: Cesc Fàbregas "protects" Assane Diao | OneFootball

No risks taken with Assane Diao

Cesc Fàbregas/@footsenegal

Injured during a Coppa Italia match against Südtirol (3-1) on August 16, Assane Diao has been sidelined ever since. It’s been a tough start to the season for the young Senegalese international (2 caps).

The 20-year-old winger has resumed training with the first team, but will still have to wait before returning to competitive action.

Indeed, Cesc Fàbregas isn’t willing to take any risks with him and wants to give him all the time he needs to recover and avoid a setback.

“Diao is progressing more slowly, and I’m the first not to take risks. I’d rather have him back at 100% in three or four weeks, because he’s a key weapon for us against all these teams chasing us. And he scores goals. The second half of the season has to be important for us. We need to support him,” said the Spanish coach at a press conference.

Côme will travel to Fiorentina this Sunday, September 21, 2025, for Matchday 4 of Serie A. Of course, they’ll be without their Lion of Teranga, as he hasn’t been included in the match squad.