Barcelona star faces lengthy absence after suffering injury

Barcelona’s Ansu Fati set for lengthy spell on the sideline.

Barcelona’s worst fears have come true as their young starlet, Ansu Fati, is set. to undergo surgery after suffering an injury in the win over Real Betis.

Fati was subbed out at half-time for Lionel Messi. At the time, the move raised eyebrows given the score was tied. It was after the game when the news was delivered.

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The club announced that the player had picked up an internal meniscus tear in his left knee.

The options were either opting for surgery or undergoing more conservative treatments. Ultimately, it was decided that the best course of action was surgery.

According to Sport, the recovery time for an injury such as this is at least a couple of months. Furthermore, they estimate that with the winter break, it is likely that Fati won’t be back until February.

However, the official time he is set to miss was delivered following his surgery. It is confirmed that he will be out between 3-5 months.

It is a blow both for the Catalan side and the player. Fati had established himself as a starter under Ronald Koeman and seemed to be breaking records left and right both with Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

As far as what Koeman will do to cover his absence is anyone’s guess. The most logical choice would be Philippe Coutinho who himself is also recovering from an injury. But he should be back in time for Barcelona’s next league match against Atletico Madrid.

Losing Fati means losing a player who not only can play on the wing but also as a center forward. Given some of the struggles the team has had in putting the ball in the back of the net, they now will be without one of their main scoring threats.

Not only that but a player who is an important piece of their present and future. His youthfulness had shielded him from the politics at the club and in contrast to some of his teammates, did not immediately cede every ball or look to Messi for every play.

Koeman is now set to be without one of his starters and given the packed schedule, he is going to have to be meticulous when it comes to who will take Fati’s spot as well as when to rotate.