FC Barcelona Will Have A ‘New Signing’ For Girona Clash

According to various outlets including AS, which cited anonymous sources, FC Barcelona will effectively have a “new signing” for its first match after the international break which is an away trip to Catalan neighbours Girona on Sunday.

Ansu Fati returned from a loan spell at Brighton this summer and impressed Hansi Flick in preseason training.

As has been a common story in the youngster’s life, however, since breaking through to the first team as a record-breaking 16-year-old akin to Lamine Yamal at the turn of the decade, a foot injury sidelined Fati much to the disappointment of the German manager.

“In the first days, he was unbelievable. His fitness was top, you could see it all on the pitch,” Flick told reporters at the end of July, when Fati picked up the knock.

“It’s not good not to have him here and not have him on [the preseason] tour, but we have to accept it and we have to help him come back stronger. Injuries don’t always come at the best time, we have to accept that.

“He played as number 11, on the left, in training we have seen him in this position but there is the option of him playing as a 9. He has done very well, we have worked with him and he has done a very good job. Now he is injured and we have to wait. Let’s hope he comes back and does better,” Flick added.

Around two and a half months since Fati’s setback, he has finally reported to training with the group again during the ongoing international break, as shown through footage shared by the club on social media.