Cesc Fabregas admitted Como could only have a squad of 16-17 players for their first-ever Champions League campaign this season.

Como secured their place in UEFA's premier competition after finishing fourth in Serie A last season, moving above AC Milan on the final day of the season.

Como will be the 16th different Serie A team to be part of the European Cup/Champions League, with the likes of Nico Paz and Tasos Douvikas starring for the Lariani.

They have signed Luis Milla, Kaiki and teenager Mattia Liberali so far during the summer window, but have seen the likes of Alberto Moreno and Sergi Roberto leave the club.

However, due to not having a youth academy, Fabregas believes his side may find it difficult to cope with their busier schedule.

"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," said Fabregas in a press conference.

"This is why we must build our players. It’s a process that takes time and cannot be completed in two or three years.

"We knew that Alberto Moreno and Sergi Roberto would leave, but we managed to replace them quickly.

"Kaiki arrived to replace Moreno, while Luis Milla is a profile we’d been tracking since January.

"Milla has character, he’s a leader, one of those who can bring balance and organisation to a team. I really like how aggressive Kaiki is when defending, he doesn’t hold back, but we’re asking for something different on the ball and working with him on that."

Como have a difficult start to the 2026-27 season as their opening match against Udinese on August 22 is the first of three consecutive away games.

They will also face Napoli and Genoa before their first home game on September 13 against Parma.