Como prepare to drop injured Jesus Rodriguez from Champions League squad for Manchester United

Fabregas confirms long-term absence

Como will be without Jesus Rodriguez for several months after the Spanish talent sustained a serious injury in training, coach Cesc Fabregas confirmed ahead of the club’s Champions League tie against Manchester United.

“Unfortunately, it will be a long stop for Jesus Rodriguez, it does not seem to be a minor issue, so it’s quite serious,” Fabregas said in his press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League tie against Manchester United.

The coach also provided updates on other absentees: “Trevoh Chalobah will be out for at least two weeks, we’ll see if Kean can make it for Saturday.”

UEFA list change being prepared

According to Sky Sport Italia, the damage is so great that Como is prepared to use UEFA rules to remove Jesus Rodriguez from the squad list for the Champions League after the opening two games.

A club is able to substitute a player if the injury is going to keep him out for at least 60 days and it is at least 24 hours before the next match. That gives Como the opportunity to introduce either Maxence Caqueret or Jayden Addai into the squad list, making them available at the Stadio Sinigaglia against Manchester United.

While Addai might be closer to the kind of player who is missing, the 21-year-old is already coming off a very long injury, having torn his Achilles tendon in February. Caqueret is therefore a more likely candidate to enter the group.

Squad stretched in attack

Como are already without injured Moise Kean and Assane Diao for tomorrow’s match, both in attacking positions, further limiting their options for the Champions League encounter.