Liberali Injury Blow: Como Star Doubtful for Sassuolo Clash After Man Utd Warm-Up Setback

FolioPitch.com – 23 October 2026 | Como‘s promising attacking midfielder Mattia Liberali is facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday’s Serie A encounter with Sassuolo after suffering a muscle problem during the warm-up of the club’s stunning 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester United. The news that Liberali a doubt for Como vs Sassuolo as reason for Man Utd omission emerges has cast a shadow over what was otherwise a memorable European night for the Azzurri, with the young Italian’s absence from the matchday squad now explained by the discomfort he felt before kick-off at Old Trafford.

According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, the 20-year-old felt muscle discomfort while going through his pre-match routine on Tuesday evening, prompting the Como medical staff to err on the side of caution and leave him out of the action entirely. The decision proved wise in the context of the result, as Como ran out comfortable 4-1 winners, but it has left head coach Cesc Fabregas with a selection headache ahead of the weekend’s league fixture.

The former Milan and Catanzaro talent is scheduled to undergo medical tests today to determine the extent of the issue. While the club has not yet issued an official statement, the initial assessment suggests that Liberali a doubt for Como vs Sassuolo as reason for Man Utd omission emerges as a significant concern, with the player highly unlikely to be included in the squad for the Sassuolo game. The timing is particularly frustrating for both player and club, as Liberali had only just begun to find his feet in Serie A.

Last week, the young forward opened his Serie A account in style, scoring in Como’s 3-1 away victory over Fiorentina. It was his first start for the club following his summer move, and the goal underlined the potential that persuaded the hierarchy at the Sinigaglia to bring him in. His dynamic running and eye for goal had added a new dimension to Como’s attack, making his potential absence all the more keenly felt.

Como are already grappling with a shortage of attacking options. Moise Kean and Assane Diao are both sidelined through injury, leaving Fabregas with limited choices in the forward areas. The possible loss of Liberali further depletes the squad’s depth, and the coaching staff may be forced to reshuffle the attacking line for the visit of Sassuolo. The situation is far from ideal for a side that has made an impressive start to the campaign.

Despite the setback, Como sit fifth in the Serie A table with 14 points from their opening seven matches, a record of four wins, two draws and one defeat. That strong run has raised expectations around the club, and maintaining momentum against Sassuolo will be crucial. The fact that Liberali a doubt for Como vs Sassuolo as reason for Man Utd omission emerges as a talking point highlights how quickly the young Italian has become an important part of the project.

Fabregas is expected to address the media on Friday and will likely provide an update on Liberali’s condition following the medical tests. The club’s medical team will assess the results before making a final decision, but the early indications are not optimistic. Should Liberali be ruled out, it would represent another blow in a season already testing the squad’s resilience.

For Liberali himself, the focus will be on recovery and returning to full fitness as soon as possible. The former Milan youth product has shown flashes of real quality, and his development will be key to Como’s ambitions this season. The hope is that the muscle problem is minor and that Liberali a doubt for Como vs Sassuolo as reason for Man Utd omission emerges as merely a precautionary tale rather than the start of a longer layoff.

In conclusion, Como’s preparations for the Sassuolo match are overshadowed by the fitness concerns surrounding Mattia Liberali. While the 4-1 win over Manchester United demonstrated the team’s attacking prowess, the absence of the young Italian due to a warm-up injury serves as a reminder of the fine margins in professional football. The club will await the results of today’s tests with bated breath, knowing that a prolonged absence could significantly impact their campaign. For now, the focus remains on recovery and on finding a way to secure three more points without one of their most exciting talents.