Ansu Fati returns from injury in time for Barcelona's Champions League opener

Ansu Fati has returned to Barcelona's squad for their UEFA Champions League clash against AS Monaco after recovering from injury. The 21-year-old forward now has another chance to prove his worth under manager Hansi Flick.

In Short

• Ansu Fati returned to Barcelona's squad after injury recovery
• Fati was once considered Barcelona’s next big La Masia talent
• Hansi Flick expressed his trust in Ansu Fati’s abilities in the past

FC Barcelona forward Ansu Fati has been declared fit from injury and has been included in the squad for their UEFA Champions League clash against AS Monaco on September 20. After several weeks of rehabilitation, the 21-year-old has been handed an opportunity to fight for his place in the Blaugrana lineup.

Once hailed as the next big star from Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, Ansu was even given the iconic number 10 jersey after Lionel Messi's departure to Paris Saint-Germain. However, a string of injuries and inconsistent form saw him lose favor with former coaches Ronald Koeman and Xavi. In search of regular playing time, Fati secured a loan move to Premier League side Brighton Hove Albion. Unfortunately, injury struck again, pushing him down the pecking order at Brighton as well.

"Following a conservative treatment programme, he (Ansu Fati) is finally back and has been named in the first Champions League squad of the season. If he plays, it will be the first time he has done so for Barça in 389 days, going all the way back to the 4-3 win in Villarreal on 27 August 2023, which was followed by the announcement that he'd be spending the rest of the season in the Premier League," FC Barcelona's statement said.

Now under the guidance of German manager Hansi Flick at Barcelona, Fati has been given another lifeline. Flick has publicly voiced his confidence in Ansu's abilities, and Barcelona chose not to send the young forward on loan this summer, opting to keep him in the squad. With his inclusion in the club’s Champions League squad, the stage is set for Fati to prove his worth once more.

As Barcelona prepare for their UCL fixture against AS Monaco, Ansu will be eager to seize any opportunity to feature in the match. With the team relying on fresh attacking options, this could be a pivotal moment in Ansu’s journey to re-establish himself at the heart of Barcelona’s future ambitions.