Barcelona’s injury-prone star could return against Girona after year-long absence

According to a report from MARCA, Ansu Fati could finally return to action for Barcelona this Sunday against Girona after recovering from his injury.

It must be noted that Ansu’s last appearance for the team was back in August 2023 against Villarreal and after months of recovery, he has rejoined training with his teammates and is expected to make his comeback in the match against Girona.

Although the club remains cautious, there is growing optimism that he will once again don the Barcelona jersey at Montilivi, 385 days after his last appearance.

Ansu, who came through Barcelona’s youth system, has really impressed Hansi Flick this summer. Despite being linked with a move away from the club, Flick was firm in keeping him, vetoing any potential departures.

Ansu had received offers, but Flick knew that no reinforcements for the left-wing position were arriving. The German coach also has faith in his ability to perform at his best once fully recovered from his injury.

Bad luck with injuries

The forward has been sidelined since July 24 due to plantar fasciitis, missing nearly a month and a half of action. His absence meant missing most of the pre-season, including Barcelona’s tour of the United States, as well as the start of the current season.

However, he has participated in the last three training sessions with the squad, boosting hopes that he will be available for selection soon.

Meanwhile, competition for the left-wing position is fierce, with Raphinha likely to start against Girona and Ferran Torres also vying for the spot. Nonetheless, Ansu has shown his versatility, having played as a centre-forward on various occasions.

If he does return at Montilivi, it will mark his first appearance in over a year, and he will be eager to remind everyone of the talent that made him a sensation when he debuted in the 2019-20 season, breaking records and earning admiration worldwide.