Assane Diao’s AFCON 2025 Hopes Dashed by Injury

Details

Senegalese striker Assane Diao’s participation in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is under threat after suffering a muscular injury during a Serie A match between Como and Roma. The incident has sparked concerns about Diao’s availability for the tournament, which is set to kick off on December 23.

Background

Como coach Cesc Fabregas had previously engaged in a heated conversation with Senegal’s coaching staff over Diao’s availability for the match. The tension between the two teams is unlikely to ease, given Diao’s early exit from the game. The striker pulled up with an injury after sprinting from his own half on the counter-attack, forcing him to limp off the field just 37 minutes into the match.

AFCON 2025 Schedule

Senegal is set to begin their AFCON campaign against Botswana on December 23. The team’s chances of success are now being jeopardized by Diao’s injury, which will be subject to further evaluation and testing.

Confusion Over International Duty

The Serie A match, which took place on a Monday evening, fell outside the window where FIFA can force players to release their stars for international duty. This has led to confusion over the availability of players for the tournament. Roma, for instance, was given permission to field Evan Ndicka, but not Neil El Aynaoui, who is a Moroccan player.

Source: Link