Fabregas fears Paz's season is over for Como
Cesc Fabregas says Nico Paz could miss the rest of the season, with the influential Como midfielder sidelined by a knee injury.
Paz has played an instrumental role this term in helping Como secure European qualification for the first time in its history.
The 21-year-old has registered the most goals among midfielders this Serie A campaign, with 12, while only Tasos Douvikas has found the net more often for Como with 13.
However, Fabregas confirmed Paz will miss Sunday's match against Parma, while it remains to be seen if he will be fit for its final game of the season.
"Nico Paz is injured, he will not be there [to play] Parma," Fabregas said ahead of the match.
"He had a knock to the knee. If it had been played on Monday, we might be in a different situation, but in all honesty, I can't say if he'll play the last game either. I hope so, but I couldn't tell you for sure."
Two points behind fourth-place AC Milan and Roma in fifth, UEFA Champions League qualification is still a real possibility for Como, although it must take maximum points from its final two games and hope for favours from elsewhere.
Fabregas hopes his players can grasp the opportunity with both hands.
"Obviously, there is hunger for an incredible opportunity. If you don't win [on Sunday], that opportunity is gone," he said.
"It is the match of the season. I hope everyone is fired up for this occasion. We've got nothing to lose and everything to gain, so I hope the lads can play with freedom. I also realise it's the first time many of them have been in this situation."
