Injury crisis for Senegal as club-country conflict escalates
Senegal’s AFCON preparations were dealt a severe blow on Monday as winger Assane Diao suffered a suspected hamstring injury playing for Como, just days before the tournament.
The injury, occurring in the 37th minute against AS Roma, has cast serious doubt on his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The timing intensifies an existing public dispute between Como coach Cesc Fàbregas and Senegal manager Pape Thiaw.
Fàbregas had previously expressed frustration over Diao’s call-up, citing the player’s recent return from a long injury layoff.
His decision to start Diao prompted a wave of anger from Senegalese fans online, including racist abuse directed at the Spanish coach.
After the match, Fàbregas defended his choice, stating he wanted to utilize the player before his five-week international absence and criticized Thiaw’s “unpleasant” ultimatum regarding World Cup selection.
The true casualty is the 20-year-old Diao, now likely to miss his first major international tournament amid a heated cross-continental controversy.
