Ansu Fati wore the Barcelona jersey for the first time in 13 months as he made a brief appearance in the match against AS Monaco at Stade Louis on Thursday.
Hansi Flick introduced the 21-year-old forward during the final moments of a tightly contested game, where Barcelona was desperately seeking an equaliser.
The circumstances were challenging, and the young forward had little opportunity to make an impact as Barça fell to a 2-1 defeat.
This match marked the beginning of Fati’s journey in the “Flick Era.” Now, SPORT reports that the German coach and his staff have crafted a detailed plan for him, which began as soon as Flick arrived at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
Unfortunately, this plan faced a setback due to Fati’s plantar fasciitis, which sidelined him prior to the American tour.
Roadmap to Recovery
Fati took about a month to work through his complicated injury, but thanks to the dedication of trainers and physiotherapists, he was able to return to action sooner than expected.
Just days after resuming training, he rejoined the squad, showing promising signs of his previous form.
Flick has been closely monitoring Fati throughout his recovery, expressing confidence in his abilities. He believes that the La Masia starlet can regain the exceptional skills he exhibited early in his career – or at the very least, provide a solid contribution.
Positive Training Developments
Reports indicate that Fati has been training at a high level, exhibiting flair and an eye for goal while maintaining high intensity.
Flick utilised him as a left winger in the closing moments of the Monaco match, although he had limited time to make an impact. This appearance is only the beginning; the plan is for Fati to gradually increase his presence in upcoming matches.
Even though there are plenty of alternatives available in the attacking lineup, Flick believes Fati can be a valuable asset. He is expected to receive more minutes in the upcoming match against Villarreal this Sunday, circumstances permitting.
Fati needs to reestablish his rhythm in competitive play. Depending on various factors, he could even secure a starting position against Getafe or Osasuna in the following weeks.
The schedule is packed, including an upcoming Champions League match against Young Boys and a league game against Alaves before an international break.
Ultimately, Fati’s future impact will depend on his confidence and performance. Flick is convinced that he can contribute significantly to Barcelona, but now it’s up to the youngster to showcase his skills and take advantage of the opportunities presented to him.
