Fabregas Warns Como’s Champions League Squad Could Be Just 16 Players Due to UEFA Limits

FolioPitch.com – 28 July 2026 | Cesc Fabregas has admitted that Como might be forced to compete in the Champions League with a severely limited squad of just 16-17 players due to UEFA registration restrictions. The admission came as the former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder, now Como’s head coach, addressed the media during a press conference ahead of the club’s summer tournament, the Como Cup. Fabregas admits Como might play Champions League with 16-17 players due to limits, highlighting the challenges the newly promoted side faces as they prepare for Europe’s elite competition after finishing fourth in Serie A last season.

Como’s rapid rise from Serie B to Champions League contention has been remarkable, but it has also exposed significant structural limitations. The club lacks a developed youth academy capable of producing homegrown players, a key requirement for UEFA’s squad list regulations. ‘We have the UEFA list limits, so because we don’t yet have a youth academy capable of providing certain things, we’ll find ourselves in the Champions League with only a squad of 16-17 players,’ Fabregas explained. He emphasized that building a competitive squad is a long-term process that cannot be rushed. This stark reality underscores why Fabregas admits Como might play Champions League with 16-17 players due to limits, as the club must rely on strategic transfers rather than internal development.

One immediate concern is the lack of Italian representation in the squad. Last season, Como had only one Italian player who featured for just one minute in Serie A. This deficiency complicates homegrown player requirements for UEFA competitions. To address this, Como recently signed Italy Under-21 international Mattia Liberali from Catanzaro. Liberali, a product of AC Milan’s academy, joined early for pre-season and has impressed Fabregas. ‘He showed great determination and quickly assimilated our ideas. He will play tomorrow. He can be used as a trequartista, but also a False 9,’ Fabregas said. Liberali’s arrival is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the squad within the constraints of UEFA limits.

The club also welcomed other new signings, including left-back Kaiki from Brazil and midfielder Luis Milla from Spain. Fabregas praised both: ‘Kaiki arrived to replace Alberto Moreno. He is aggressive in defense, but we are working on his ball skills. Luis Milla is a leader, one of those who can bring balance and organisation to a team.’ These additions aim to fill gaps left by departures and provide depth for a grueling season that includes domestic and European fixtures. However, the limited squad size means every signing must be carefully considered.

Key players like Nico Paz, Assane Diao, and Martin Baturina are still on extended breaks after international duty. Paz was part of Argentina‘s squad that finished fourth at the 2026 World Cup. Fabregas expects Paz to return on August 17 and may not feature against Liverpool in a friendly. ‘These are young lads with a lot of quality, but the more expectations grow around them, so does the pressure,’ he noted. The manager’s comments reflect the delicate balance between integrating talent and managing expectations.

The Champions League presents an enormous challenge for a club that was in Serie B just two years ago. Fabregas acknowledges that the path forward requires patience and strategic planning. ‘This is why we must build our players. It’s a process that takes time and cannot be completed in two or three years,’ he said. Despite the daunting prospect of competing with a skeleton squad, Fabregas remains optimistic about the club’s trajectory. The Como Cup, featuring Crystal Palace, RC Lens, Famalicao, Villarreal, and Al-Ula, offers a chance to test new signings and build cohesion.

In conclusion, Fabregas admits Como might play Champions League with 16-17 players due to limits, but he is not disheartened. The club’s rapid ascent has outpaced its infrastructure, but smart recruitment and development could mitigate the risks. As Como prepares for the biggest stage in club football, Fabregas’s candid assessment serves as both a warning and a blueprint for success. The coming months will reveal whether this bold approach can overcome the numerical disadvantage.