In the initial days of FC Barcelona's preseason training sessions this summer, the man who impressed Barca manager Hansi Flick the most is set to make a return now. Not to forget, after having a dismal 2023/24 loan campaign, the wing star had been showing dedication and putting in the hard work, giving hope to Barca fans, who have seen the star's true potential.
Has the time arrived for the 21-year-old prodigy's return to FC Barcelona?
However, a foot injury just before the US Tour came as the biggest hurdle for the star to fight for a place in the club's XI. But now, after being sidelined for around two months, Ansu Fati is expected to be back again. Reports indicate that the star had been a part of group training for some time now and might be called up for Barca's Champions League fixture.
Although he was suspected to be a part of Girona's squad list, the Barca coaching staff has been steady with the player, smoothening his transition into the team. Barca boss Hansi Flick had indicated Fati's chances of being available soon. Flick mentioned,
""We are happy to have him back. He could be back next game. We also have to take into account Gavi, who has been training with us. I see them in good spirits. Gavi could be back a little bit later, but Fati could be back next Tuesday.""Hansi Flick
While there still exists a doubt regarding the young prodigy's place in the Blaugrana squad for their coming fixture against Monaco, it definitely looks certain that he would be match-ready for the Villareal game. Given the suspensions of Ferran Torres and the injury concerns of Dani Olmo, Fati could have a big role in the club's next La Liga matchday.
From Barca's perspective, Fati's return could be one of the biggest positives for the club this month. Given the player's utility on the left wing and his familiarity with the Blaugrana playstyle, he could resolve the ongoing confusion that Olmo's injury has created at the club. With him being a starter on the left flank, Raphinha, who has been brilliant, could come in Olmo's role, setting up a brilliant attack force overall.
As per reports from Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana club will announce their squad list to face AS Monaco soon, and Fati expects to be a part of it. Though it is uncertain whether he would get game time there or would start directly from the Villareal game, Barca fans would hope that they witness Ansu Fati back at his very best.