Ansu Fati returns to hand Barcelona boost
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail Xinhua, September 26, 2021
There was some good news for FC Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman at last on Saturday, with striker Ansu Fati declared available to be included in the squad for a vital game at home to Levante on Sunday.
The teenager returns to the squad after almost a year out with a knee injury that was originally expected to keep him out for around four months, but ended up requiring four different operations.
Although Fati can only be expected to play a cameo role at best, his return is a boost for Koeman, whose future looks to be very much on the line after recent results and declarations.
Draws and poor performances against Cadiz and Granada in the wake of a 3-0 thrashing by Bayern Munich in the Champions League have increased the pressure on Koeman, who also provoked a wave of criticism by reading a communique explaining Barca's current limitations ahead of the trip to Cadiz.
Although Barcelona president Joan Laporta has so far stood by the coach, he also said on Thursday that nobody at the club can accept being unable to fight for silverware, and another disappointing display could cause Laporta's patience to finally snap.
Fati's return is balanced by the loss of Frenkie de Jong, who is suspended after seeing two yellow cards on Thursday although the club has appealed against the second of those, while Ousmane Dembele, Sergio Aguero, Pedri, Jordi Alba and Martin Braithwaite are all still out injured.
Koeman is likely to retain 17-year-old Gavi in midfield, with either Sergi Roberto, Riqui Puig or Nico Rodriguez starting alongside Sergio Busquets.
Philippe Coutinho will also probably return to the side, with Sergino Dest forced to play out of position at left-back, either Oscar Mingueza or Roberto on the right, and Gerard Pique and either Eric Garcia or the promising Ronald Araujo in the middle.
Levante have underperformed so far this season and Paco Lopez's side travels without a win so far this campaign, but players such as Jose Luis Morales and Roger Marti can hurt Barca on a day when Koeman needs a win more than ever.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)