Como manager Cesc Fabregas confirmed that an injury crisis has hit his squad, with several players facing lengthy spells on the sidelines ahead of the club’s Champions League clash with Manchester United. The Spanish manager also insisted the Red Devils are not in crisis at all and said the match will be historic for Como.
Jesus Rodriguez faces a lengthy spell out
Fabregas explained that Jesus Rodriguez injured himself with a shot at goal at the end of training on the eve of the match. “Jesus Rodriguez will be out for a long time: he took a shot at goal at the end of training today and injured himself. It does not look like a minor injury, but something a little more serious. Chalobah will be out for two weeks, so he will miss four matches. We’ll see whether Kean can make it for Saturday, while Diao will return after the break.”
Historic day
Fabregas stressed the importance of the occasion and the challenge ahead. “Tomorrow will be a historic day, once again. We’re going through a special period and we need to adapt well, aware of the importance of the challenge. United are a great team with great players and an incredible history. We’ll try to win, as always.”
United in crisis? You’re making it up
The Como manager rejected the idea that United are struggling. “Crises in football don’t exist: there’s a match every three days, and there’s no time to think about whether there’s a crisis or not. It’s eleven against eleven, and you try to win. You invent the crisis; we don’t feel it because we’re professionals who want to compete. I don’t believe in these things: they’re Manchester United and they have great players. We’ll try to win, as I said before.”
Messi’s shirt
Fabregas also reflected on what the occasion means for the club. “I think it’s an honour to see the best player in history wearing our shirt. Until recently, it was unimaginable. An evening like tomorrow’s is a reward for what we’ve done in recent years. We deserve to play matches like this. We’re really looking forward to it and proud to be able to play in it.”