Assane Diao races to prove fitness ahead of Senegal’s World Cup squad decision

Senegal winger Assane Diao has returned to action with Italian side Como 1907 and is now in a race against time to secure a place in the national squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 20-year-old attacker made his comeback on 28 February in a match against Lecce after a season disrupted by injuries.

With just a few months remaining before the tournament begins in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Diao is hoping his return to form can persuade Senegal coach Pape Thiaw to include him in the final squad.

Diao’s campaign initially began on a promising note. After recovering from a foot injury that kept him out between August and October 2025, the winger returned to action and played seven matches in Serie A, accumulating 322 minutes on the pitch.

Como manager Cesc Fàbregas viewed him as an additional attacking option for the team, which was performing strongly in the league at the time.

His early performances also coincided with his first senior international appearances for Senegal national football team in March 2025. Diao earned two caps during that period, although he did not score.

However, his progress was interrupted in November 2025 by a flexor muscle injury that kept him out from 15 November to 5 December.

Despite those fitness concerns, Diao was called up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. After joining the squad, he aggravated the injury and was forced to withdraw from the tournament on 15 December.

Senegal eventually went on to win the final 1-0 against Morocco after extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal. Diao watched the triumph from the sidelines, unable to take part.

Soon after, another setback followed. On 16 December 2025, during a match against Roma, he suffered a biceps femoris injury that ruled him out until 24 February 2026.

The repeated injuries raised concerns about his physical condition during what had begun as a promising season.

His return came against Lecce on 28 February, when he entered the game in the 84th minute. During his brief appearance he made several runs down the wing and came close to scoring with a well-struck effort.

With the World Cup scheduled to begin on 11 June, Diao now has limited time to convince the coaching staff that he deserves a place in Senegal’s attacking options.

Competition for positions remains strong, with players such as Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye also part of the attacking setup.

If he can maintain his fitness and rediscover his early-season form, Diao may yet strengthen his case. For now, his chances of travelling to the World Cup remain uncertain as he works to prove his readiness before the squad selection is finalised.