Como arrive at the eighth round of Serie A with momentum on two fronts, following an away league win over Fiorentina and a commanding 4-1 Champions League victory against Manchester United. Cesc Fabregas now turns his attention to Sassuolo, with a 22-man group available for one of the weekend’s opening fixtures.
Fabregas manages a reduced squad
The Como coach will be without Diao, whose left-thigh flexor injury keeps him out of contention. Jesus Rodriguez, Chalobah, Kean and Liberali are also unavailable through injury.
There was, however, a more encouraging update on two of those absences. Fabregas said Kean and Liberali are expected to be close to returning to the pitch, offering Como the prospect of greater depth as the season moves into its next phase.
- Diao is sidelined by a muscle problem affecting the flexor in his left thigh.
- Jesus Rodriguez and Chalobah remain among the injured players.
- Kean and Liberali are not yet ready for Sassuolo, but their comebacks are thought to be imminent.
Como’s squad for Sassuolo
Fabregas has named three goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and three attacking players for the match.
- Goalkeepers: Butez, Vigorito, Sanchez.
- Defenders: Kempf, Valle, Ramón, Dossena, Kaiki Bruno, Goldaniga, Couto, Smolcic, Kambwala.
- Midfielders: Perrone, Milla, Da Cunha, Caqueret, Lahdo, Baturina, Ricci.
- Forwards: Douvikas, Paz, Addai.
A test of continuity in the league
The Sassuolo meeting gives Como an opportunity to carry the confidence of recent results back into their Serie A campaign. After winning in Florence and producing a four-goal European performance against Manchester United, Fabregas must now balance a growing run of matches with a number of important absences.
The return timetable for Kean and Liberali may soon ease that pressure. For the moment, though, Como’s selected group will be asked to extend a promising spell as the eighth round begins.
