News Focus
- Nico Paz ruled out with knee injury against Parma
- Como chase Champions League spot in final two matches
- Real Madrid may trigger buy-back clause this summer
- Defenders Alex Valle and Jayden Addai also unavailable
Como 1907 will travel to face Parma Calcio on Sunday without attacker Nico Paz. Manager Cesc Fabregas confirmed the Argentine has suffered a knee injury.
The Serie A club are fighting for a place in next season’s Champions League. They currently sit in sixth position. Como trail fourth-placed AC Milan and fifth-placed AS Roma by just two points.
Fabregas spoke to the media on Saturday. He explained that Paz took a knock to his knee. “He will not be there tomorrow,” the coach said. He added that the player might also miss the final match against Cremonese.
The absence comes amid transfer speculation. Real Madrid hold a buy-back option for the 21-year-old. They could trigger this clause during the summer window. This means the current campaign might mark Paz’s final weeks at the Italian side.
Como have already secured European football for next term. They will play in the Europa League at minimum. However, the club dreams of a historic first-ever Champions League campaign.
The injury list also includes defenders Alex Valle and Jayden Addai. Both will miss the trip to Parma.
Fabregas named his matchday squad on Saturday evening. The goalkeepers are Butez, Tornqvist, Vigorito and Cavlina. The defenders include Kempf, Goldaniga, Ramon, Moreno, Smolcic, Vojvodina, D. Carlos and Van der Brempt. Midfield options are Caqueret, S. Roberto, Lahdo, Baturina, Perrone, Da Cunha and Cassano. The forwards are Morata, Douvikas, Rodriguez, Kuhn and Diao.