Since the dawn of time, players have missed competitions due to injuries. Bad timing for some, serious injuries for others, missing a big tournament with your selection is never something enjoyable to experience for a professional player. However, some injuries are more infuriating than others. That of Assane Diao, contracted this Monday evening with Como, may well haunt him certain nights. Even if his participation in the CAN is not completely ruled out, his tears following his exit leave little room for doubt. Launched on a counter-attack following a Roman corner, the Senegalese striker went all the way up the field before unleashing a strike, finally blocked by Evan Ndicka. Following this monster effort, he collapsed to the ground and was unable to continue the match.
In tears, he was replaced by Cesc Fàbregas in the 38th minute of play by Douvikas. An injury which inevitably provoked the ire of all Senegal supporters. While the African players were supposed to join their selection this Monday, Diao was started and injured with Como when he should have been with his teammates in the selection that day. A frustration exacerbated by the choices of Cesc Fàbregas who dissociated himself from the selection of Diao with Senegal in the middle of the season a few days ago: “ Regarding Assane (Diao), I prefer not to dwell too much on the subject. He was called up and I spoke to him after the match against Inter. He knows my opinion well. I also spoke personally with his coach. It wasn’t a very pleasant conversation, honestly, so I completely dissociate myself from this choice. »
Harassed online, Cesc Fàbregas justifies himself for Assane Diao
Obviously, following these declarations which the Senegalese did not appreciate, this injury provokes the anger of the people of the Lions of Teranga. On social networks, Senegalese supporters even showed their discontent through racist comments against Cesc Fàbregas on social networks. Indeed, pig faces have swarmed under his publications in retaliation for this injury which is disturbing Senegal. A wave of harassment which did not cause the former FC Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder to lose his direction. Even if the choice to start his winger was strongly criticized, Fabregas did not give up after the defeat and answered the questions asked to him at a press conference.
After the meeting, the Iberian coach broke his silence and justified himself on this tenure which offends the Senegalese people: “ he hurt his flexor muscle. I’m a big fan of the selections, I hope everyone can go. I asked a favor not to take him, because he played three matches in 8 months (…). The coach’s response? That if he doesn’t go, he won’t go to the World Cup. It was unpleasant. If the player plays with fear at 20 years old when he has a career ahead, it is a mistake (…). He probably shouldn’t have played today either, but I selected him because he leaves tomorrow and I won’t have him for five weeks, so since we’re paying his salary, we might as well let him play a little for us. A tense conversation with Pape Thiaw? He said that if Diao didn’t come with us, he wouldn’t participate in the World Cup. It’s not fair, it’s even regrettable. » You will have understood, the rag is burning between Senegal and Cesc Fàbregas. But the real victim in this story is Assane Diao, who is highly uncertain to play the first CAN of his life.
