Barcelona name squad for UCL clash against Monaco, 21-year-old star returns after long injury lay-off
Barcelona have included forward Ansu Fati in their squad to face AS Monaco in their UEFA Champions League encounter on Thursday (September 19). The Spanish forward has made the squad for the first time this season after recovering from a foot injury that kept him out of action.
Fati spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion after falling out of favor at boyhood club Barcelona.
The 21-year-old struggled with injuries before heading out to the Premier League side in search of regular minutes. He returned to the Spanish side this summer but suffered from plantar fasciitis at the start of pre-season in July, ruling him out of pre-season.
Barcelona are set to face French outfit AS Monaco in their UEFA Champions League group phase opener and have revealed their squad for the game. Fati has been included among the players to make the trip to the French city for the clash.
You can view the squad below:
New Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has seen his side claim five wins from their first five La Liga games, with his players firing on all cylinders. The German manager was impressed by Fati's attitude and application before his injury in pre-season and intends for the 21-year-old to play a key role this season.
Ansu Fati is being earmarked by the manager to play an understudy role to Robert Lewandowski as the side's striker, and he could appear against Monaco. The French outfit claimed a comfortable 3-0 over the Spanish giants in the Joan Gamper Trophy in August and La Blaugrana will be keen to exact revenge.
Barcelona boss names teenage La Masia duo in squad for Monaco clash
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has named two academy youngsters in his squad to face AS Monaco in their UEFA Champions League opener. Cousins Toni and Guillermo Fernandez have made the trip to France with the first team for the Monaco game.
Both Toni and Guillermo are 16 years old and have been named in the squad to provide cover following a number of injuries to key players. With the likes of Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, and Frenkie De Jong out injured, the Spanish giants have been left light in midfield, needing cover from the academy.
The duo have both scored for Barca Atletic this season and are the youngest and third-youngest goalscorers in the club's history at that level. Striker Toni and attacking midfielder Guillermo could make their senior debuts for the club if things go to plan in Monaco.