After over a month out with injury, Barcelona forward Ansu Fati completed training with the team on Saturday without any issues.
Unless anything unexpected happens, he is set to receive medical clearance on Sunday and be included in the squad for the upcoming match against Leganes.
The academy forward has overcome a new injury, this time to the biceps femoris of his right leg. It is his second injury this season, with the first affecting the sole of his right foot, which forced Ansu to miss the US tour and the first five official matches of the season.
A fresh opportunity
One of the key challenges for Hansi Flick in his debut season at Barcelona has been the reinvigorating Fati – the player who inherited Lionel Messi’s No. 10 shirt.
According to SPORT, regaining confidence and putting his injury woes behind him is the priority for Ansu, who has endured a challenging few years since tearing his meniscus back in 2020.
While he has not fully returned to his previous level, there is still time for him to do so, as he is only 22 years old. And, as per the report, Flick is prepared to give him a new opportunity.
A new opportunity beckons. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Despite his injuries, the German coach has counted on Ansu in seven matches, though he was only a starter in one of them. However, the forward has played 158 minutes without scoring or assisting.
As such, a potential loan move in the upcoming winter transfer window is also being considered.
After all, competition is fierce in the Barcelona attack, with Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres all vying for spots. Ansu, though, is eager to accept the challenge.
Happy memories against Leganes
The last time Barcelona faced Leganes was on 16 June 2020, when Quique Setien was in charge of the Blaugrana.
It was the first match played at Spotify Camp Nou after the league was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic. Barcelona won 2-0, with Ansu opening the scoring just before half-time. The second goal came from Messi.
With Ansu set to return tomorrow, he will be hoping for a repeat of that performance if he gets a chance vs Leganes.