Barcelona dealt blow as 22-year-old star picks up injury in training, set to be out for 4 weeks
Barcelona have been handed a blow as academy graduate Ansu Fati picked up a hamstring injury in training on Wednesday, November 13. The 22-year-old has had a troubled injury history.
After returning from a loan stint at Brighton and Hove Albion, Ansu Fati was hoping to break into Hansi Flick’s starting lineup. However, he couldn't feature in the opening weeks due to a foot injury he sustained in the preseason. Notably, Fati has made just eight appearances for the Blaugrana this season, starting one match.
Barcelona have now confirmed in a statement that Ansu Fati has suffered a muscular injury in the biceps of his right thigh during Wednesday’s training session. As a result, he is expected to be out of action for four weeks.
As per the recovery period mentioned by the club, Fait could sit out Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League match against Brest and LaLiga matches against Celta Vigo, Las Palmas, and Real Betis.
According to Transfermarkt, Fati’s latest injury is the tenth he has suffered since the 2019/20 season. Up to date, he has scored 29 goals and provided 10 assists for La Blaugrana in 119 appearances across competitions.
Barcelona draw up a five-man shortlist as they seek a star winger – Reports
Barcelona are keen on signing a superstar winger and have reportedly chalked out five options. While the Blaugrana are currently enjoying an impressive run of form, they have been affected by injuries of late.
Before Ansi Fati’s latest injury concern, in-form teenager Lamine Yamal picked up a knock to his right ankle in Barca’s Champions League game against Crvena zvezda on November 6. The latter is expected to return to action later this month.
While Hansi Flick’s men are currently at the top of LaLiga table, their loss against Real Sociedad was a timely reminder that the squad lacked depth.
According to Spanish publication Sport, Barcelona are looking to sign a left winger and have shortlisted Nico Williams, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Rafael Leao, Mohamed Salah, and Leroy Sane.
Nico Willimas was reportedly a top target for Barcelona this summer, but a deal couldn’t materialize as the player chose to stay put at Athletic Bilbao.