Barcelona out-of-favour youngster could start in cup tie against UD Barbastro

It has been another difficult campaign for Barcelona youngster Ansu Fati, dictated by injuries and a consequent lack of minutes.

The 22-year-old would have hoped that things would go better for him after returning from a disappointing loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, but it has not been so.

Ansu has already missed a chunk of matches this season due to injuries and when fit, has failed to convince manager Hansi Flick that he is deserving of regular minutes.

However, having decided not to leave the club in the ongoing January window, the La Masia graduate is hopeful of getting more chances, starting tomorrow.

Ansu could start against Barbastro

Indeed, according to SPORT, there is a chance that Ansu Fati could be in the starting lineup for Barcelona when they take on UD Barbastro in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 clash on Saturday.

Ansu spent a month out on the sidelines with an injury, but has been fit for a few weeks now. The Blaugrana, though, have been cautious with him and did not call him up for the game against Leganes.

While the Spanish forward was in the squad for the Atletico Madrid clash, he did not receive any minutes given how the game went.

As such, Flick hopes to change that and afford some on-field action for Ansu tomorrow in the cup tie, potentially even as a starter.

After all, Lamine Yamal has just come back from an injury while Ferran Torres is out with one. Moreover, Pau Victor is unavailable to play due to the registration issue whereas Raphinha needs a rest ahead of the Super Cup semi-finals next week.

So, there is a solid chance that Ansu could be given a start by Flick tomorrow and it will be up to the young forward to show that he is deserving of more opportunities moving forward.