What has been the case of star winger since his injury return at Barca?

Since the start of the season, the Blaugrana club has been one of the most injury-inflicted squads in European football. However, despite having star players like Marc Bernal, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, and Ter Stegen injured in the season, the club has been doing tremendously well under the German mastermind Hansi Flick. Being on a consecutive winning streak of 7 games in La Liga, Flick's Barcelona has emerged as one of the best teams this season.

What has been the case of star winger since his injury return at Barca?

So far, in the 2024-25 campaign, almost every available player for FC Barcelona has made significant contributions to the group's success, except a star winger. Despite having recovered to his full potential, Barca's wing forward Ansu Fati hasn't been getting game minutes lately. Thus, the question arises: what has been the case of Fati since his injury return at Barca?

Not to forget, it had all begun with Ansu Fati being sidelined just before the club's Preseason tour, at a time when he was showcasing brilliant levels. In fact, being one of the favorites of Hansi Flick, the wing forward seemed certain to be above Ferran Torres and Pau Victor in the pecking order for the left-wing role; however, things haven't felt the same since his return.

After being available for squad selection in the club's UCL opener against Monaco, chances looked considerable for him to feature for a few minutes in the game. However, with the club being to the worst match start of the season, reduced to 10 men early in the fixture, impacting the overall result as well as Fati's game-minute opportunities. Although he did come on for the last few minutes, the 21-year-old couldn't impart a strong impression.

Moving him to the club's next fixture, which was scheduled against Villarreal, this time despite the club being in a significant lead for the final few minutes, Fati wasn't subbed on in the matchday. Moreover, in the club's recent fixture against Getafe, once again he saw no game time, with Ferran Torres being chosen ahead of him.

While Fati's meager game minutes—just 2 minutes of regular play so far—seem a bit intriguing, this has been much more tactical on Hansi Flick's part. While his Champions League fixture game time is much better explained by the situation itself, there have been major priorities and concerns by Hansi Flick, which has kept him out of action in the last 2 games.

Currently, club captain Raphinha, who has been in spectacular form, dons the left wing, and clearly, Fati couldn't directly fight for a spot there, meaning his chances of coming in substitutions are the only real possibility. In the game against Villarreal, Raphinha was looking in sublime form at the end, with him being close to a well-deserved hattrick. Moreover, in the absence of Ter Stegen, he had to lead the unit for the first time, ruling out Fati's opportunity in the game.

In the game against Getafe, which has been one of the most difficult games for the Blaugrana club in the recent past, there could have been an injury scenario had Flick directly introduced Fati in the game. Speaking out his concern for the youngster, Flick spoke after the match,

""Ansu Fati is at 100%, but the match was tough and we decided to bring other players.""

- Hansi Flick

Overall, while Ansu Fati has been feeling a lack of game opportunities recently, it has been adjusted by Hansi Flick for the player's concern. Given the youngster's talent, Flick wants to have him available for the key games ahead, and thus, soon chances would be arriving in front of him to prove his potential again. Barca fans would hope that Fati returns to his level best in the season ahead, helping the club win major titles.