Fabregas confirms Kean setback ahead of Como’s Roma showdown
Como will be without Moise Kean for at least seven to 10 days after the forward suffered a heavy knock while on international duty with Belgium, Cesc Fabregas has confirmed ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Roma at the Stadio Sinigaglia.
Fabregas said he had spoken with both Kean and Roberto Mancini about the injury, including the prospect of pairing the attacker with another centre-forward. But the Como coach does not currently see that as an option, leaving his attacking plans altered for a major Serie A test.
Roma also arrive with a key absence in goal. Fabregas singled out Mile Svilar as Serie A’s outstanding goalkeeper across the past two seasons, saying the Roma No.1 had won his side significant points, although he insisted the change would not affect Como’s approach.
Fabregas urges clubs to trust their coaches
The Como boss used Mikel Arteta’s renewed Arsenal contract as evidence that clubs can be rewarded for patience. Fabregas pointed to the criticism Arteta received during difficult early periods in north London before Arsenal’s progress became clear.
“You can see the outcome of his work now,” Fabregas said. “At the beginning it was not going well, but he allowed people to talk and criticise. Teams need a clear idea. Results usually come after some months, even if that is not always the case.”
Fabregas, who started coaching in 2023 and helped drive Como’s rise from promotion to Champions League qualification within two seasons, warned that the demand for immediate success is harming the game. He believes coaches need decisive influence over tactics and recruitment rather than being undermined by club executives.
He questioned how managers can be dismissed after only two matches and argued that sporting directors can sometimes stray into a coach’s territory. In his view, a manager requires authority over the system, the profile of player needed and the selections made with conviction.
Roma present a demanding opponent. Gian Piero Gasperini took over last year after nine successful seasons at Atalanta and has quickly delivered Champions League football while taking the Giallorossi to the top of the Serie A table after five rounds.
Fabregas praised Gasperini’s long-standing commitment to attacking football, player development and aggressive movement. He described Roma as a positive side that sends bodies forward and said the veteran Italian, now with 30 years in management, deserves admiration for the strength of his footballing beliefs.
“We both want to attack and use movement,” Fabregas said. “Their games are enjoyable to watch. Gasperini has helped many players improve their careers and I have huge respect for him.”
Como’s own season has brought an unfamiliar workload after their entry into Europe. They opened their Champions League campaign with a 4-1 win over RB Leipzig and travel to Feyenoord on Wednesday for their second fixture.
Fabregas admitted the club are still learning how to manage repeated matches at this level. He wants to spread opportunities through the squad as Como adapt to the demands of continental football, while also assessing how his players respond physically and mentally to a schedule they have not faced before.
The immediate task is Roma on Sunday. Then comes Feyenoord, with Kean expected to remain sidelined through the opening part of that demanding stretch.
