Senegal coach told me Assane Diao won’t go to World Cup if he declines AFCON call-up – Cesc Fabregas

Senegal forward Assane Diao’s international future is in doubt after Como coach Cesc Fabregas revealed a tense exchange with the national team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 20-year-old attacker, recently sidelined with an adductor injury, faces uncertainty over his AFCON participation, with potential implications for his World Cup involvement.

Fabregas has gone public with his concerns, sparking intense debate among fans and putting both club and country in a delicate position.

Como coach Cesc Fabregas is confronting an international dilemma over Senegal forward Assane Diao, who is now facing injury setbacks ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Diao was forced off the pitch with an adductor injury, leaving doubts over his participation in Senegal’s upcoming AFCON campaign. The 20-year-old has played only three matches in the past eight months.

Fabregas disclosed an “unpleasant conversation” with Senegal coach Pape Thiaw regarding Diao before the Roma game.

He said, “I asked for some common sense, please, not to take him (to the Africa Cup of Nations) because in eight months he’s only played three games, half-baked.”

Fabregas added, “If he leaves, we’ll pay his wages and find ourselves with a player out.

“He told me that if he doesn’t go with them to the Africa Cup of Nations, he won’t go to the World Cup.”

Following these remarks, Fabregas has faced a wave of criticism from Senegal fans across social media, angered by his public comments.

The controversy has intensified just days before the kickoff of AFCON, putting pressure on both Diao and the Senegal national team to make a swift decision.