Nico Paz
COMPicked for bench
Paz (knee) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Cremonese.
Analysis: Paz was a late call for Sunday, but has passed his testing and is with the rest of the team, with the attacker earning a role on the bench. After missing the last match, he will hope to see time in the season finale, scoring 12 goals and six assists this season in his 35 appearances (33 starts) this campaign.
Makes squad for last game
Paz (knee) has been called up for Sunday's match versus Cremonese.
Analysis: Paz will make the trip with the rest of the team and will continue to be evaluated on game day. He's currently expected to be deployed off the bench if necessary, as Como need to win and some favorable results to improve their position, and he's in the running to be called by Argentina for the World Cup. He has taken at least one shot in 18 straight outings, amassing 64 (27 on target) and scoring six goals during that stretch.
Questionable for Cremonese match
Paz (knee) "hasn't trained a lot but feels a little better. Until there's a chance, he'll try to recover over the next 24/48 hours," coach Cesc Fabregas announced.
Analysis: Paz has been cleared of more substantial problems, but his availability for the season finale on Sunday will go down to the wire because of a lingering bruise. The gaffer alluded that he could be selected even if he's not 100 percent. Maxence Caqueret and Jesus Rodriguez soaked up his minutes last week.
Will miss Parma contest
Paz "won't be available Sunday because of a knee contusion," coach Cesc Fabregas stated.
Analysis: Paz picked up a knock in training and will attempt to return in the last match of the campaign. Maxence Caqueret, Jesus Rodriguez and Martin Baturina stand to benefit from his absence in terms of playing time and touches.
Held in check in Verona match
Paz recorded one shot (zero on goal), one clearance and two crosses (zero accurate) and won two of two tackles in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Verona.
Analysis: Paz had a down game relative to his standards, especially offensively, but had a pretty well-rounded output overall. He has registered at least one shot in 18 appearances in a row (17 starts), piling up 54 and scoring six times over that span. He has tallied seven chances created, 13 crosses (three accurate) and three corners in the last five rounds.
Makes starting XI
Paz (head) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Napoli.
Analysis: Paz retained his starting role after the health scare that had seen him taken to a local hospital on Sunday, with the early and subsequent examinations all coming back negative and clearing him to continue as a regular starter without any disruption to his involvement. The midfielder has fired at least one shot in 16 consecutive appearances, notching 61 attempts, four goals and 14 chances created over that span, making his continued availability a significant boost for a side that relies heavily on his attacking output. His ability to come through the medical checks unscathed is a major relief for the coaching staff heading into the weekend.
Poised to be available versus Napoli
Paz underwent tests in Genoa and Como after a blow to the head, but he's been cleared of any injury, La Gazzetta dello Sport relayed.
Analysis: Paz was taken to a local hospital Sunday, but he traveled back with the rest of the team, as the early exams came back negative, and the ensuing ones had the same outcome. He should be able to continue starting. He has fired at least one shot in 16 consecutive appearances, notching 61 attempts (27 on target), scoring four goals and posting 14 chances created and 23 crosses (four accurate) over that span. Instead, he halted a six-match streak with multiple tackles in the last round.
Leaves Genoa match at halftime
Paz had two shots (zero on target) and two interceptions before exiting Sunday's 2-0 win over Genoa after 45 minutes due to eyesight problems and dizziness following a collision with an opponent, La Gazzetta dello Sport relayed.
Analysis: Paz almost scored with a pair of classy plays and attempts, but was worse for wear after banging heads with Alessandro Marcandalli, and was subbed off at the interval out of precaution. He'll undergo further tests before Saturday's home game versus Napoli. Maxence Caqueret took his place in this one.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare