News Focus
- Argentina’s national team want Nico Paz benched for Como’s final Serie A clash
- The 21-year-old midfielder missed the win against Parma with a knee knock
- Como face Cremonese on Sunday in a match that decides Champions League qualification
- Coach Cesc Fabregas admits he cannot guarantee Paz will recover in time
- The 2026 World Cup starts in North America in just a few weeks
The Argentina national team has asked Como to keep Nico Paz out of their squad this weekend. Coaches fear the midfielder could suffer serious damage to his knee before the World Cup begins.
The 21-year-old sat out Como’s 1-0 victory over Parma last Sunday. He has been a regular starter this term, only missing one previous fixture through suspension.
Speaking before the Parma match, manager Cesc Fabregas explained the situation. “Nico has a knock to his knee and will not be available,” the Spaniard stated. “If we had played on Monday, things might be different. I honestly cannot say if he will play the final match. I hope so, but I am not sure.”
The Italian side travel to face Cremonese on Sunday evening in their last fixture of the campaign. The result will decide whether they compete in the Champions League or Europa League next season.
Como currently occupy fifth spot in the Serie A table, two points behind Roma in fourth. To secure a place among Europe’s elite, Como must defeat Cremonese and hope that Roma fail to win against Fiorentina.
Italian media reports claim that Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni views Paz as a key member of his 26-man World Cup squad. With the tournament in North America starting soon, the Argentine Football Association is reportedly pushing the Serie A club to prioritise the player’s long-term fitness over their European ambitions.