Como Allowed to Make Late Champions League Squad Change Hours Before Man Utd Clash as Caqueret Replaces Injured Rodriguez

FolioPitch.com – 21 October 2026 | In a dramatic turn of events just hours before their highly anticipated Champions League encounter with Manchester United, Como have been granted permission by UEFA to make a late alteration to their squad list. The Italian club has been allowed to make a late Champions League squad change hours before Man Utd clash, replacing the injured Jesus Rodriguez with French midfielder Maxence Caqueret. The decision comes after Rodriguez sustained a muscle injury during training, ruling him out for at least two months.

The injury occurred on Tuesday when Rodriguez, a 20-year-old Spanish winger, hurt himself while striking the final ball of the training session. Manager Cesc Fabregas confirmed the setback, revealing that the youngster will be sidelined for an extended period. This unfortunate event prompted Como to act swiftly, filing a request with UEFA to amend their Champions League squad list. The request was submitted on time, at least 24 hours before kick-off, and included medical documentation confirming Rodriguez’s injury and expected absence.

UEFA’s approval came through this morning, allowing Como to make a late Champions League squad change hours before Man Utd clash. Caqueret, who was initially omitted from the squad list, will now be available for selection and is likely to start on the bench. The 25-year-old Frenchman joined Como in January and has been a key figure in their midfield, bringing experience and composure. His inclusion provides a timely boost for Fabregas, who is already dealing with a depleted squad.

Como’s injury woes extend beyond Rodriguez. Trevoh Chalobah, Assane Diao, and Moise Kean remain unavailable, leaving Fabregas with only 16 outfield players for the match against Manchester United. The manager will need to rely on his remaining squad members to deliver a strong performance against the Premier League giants. The late addition of Caqueret offers some relief, but the depth of the squad is still a concern.

The fact that Como allowed to make late Champions League squad change hours before Man Utd clash underscores the club’s proactive approach and UEFA’s flexibility in handling injury-related cases. The governing body’s regulations permit squad changes in exceptional circumstances, such as long-term injuries, provided the request is made within the stipulated timeframe. Como’s compliance with these rules ensured a smooth approval process, allowing them to reinforce their midfield options.

Caqueret’s availability could prove crucial in the midfield battle against Manchester United. Known for his tactical awareness and passing ability, the Frenchman could be called upon to help control the tempo of the game. Fabregas may opt to introduce him from the bench depending on the flow of the match. The manager will be hoping that Caqueret’s presence can compensate for the absence of Rodriguez and other injured players.

The timing of the squad change is particularly significant given the magnitude of the fixture. Facing Manchester United in the Champions League is a daunting task for any team, and Como will need all the resources at their disposal. The late inclusion of Caqueret provides a much-needed fillip, but the team’s overall fitness and depth remain a concern. Fabregas will have to carefully manage his limited squad to avoid further injuries.

As the match approaches, all eyes will be on how Como cope with their injury crisis. The decision to allow Como to make a late Champions League squad change hours before Man Utd clash has given the Italian side a fighting chance. Whether Caqueret can make an immediate impact remains to be seen, but his availability is undoubtedly a positive development for the club.

In conclusion, Como’s ability to adapt to adversity has been evident in their swift response to Rodriguez’s injury. UEFA’s approval to make a late Champions League squad change hours before Man Utd clash highlights the importance of timely communication and adherence to regulations. While the squad remains thin, the addition of Caqueret offers a glimmer of hope. As the team takes on Manchester United, they will need to summon all their resilience and tactical discipline to secure a positive result. The match promises to be a stern test, but Como have shown they are not afraid to face challenges head-on.