Barcelona youngster calm about return to fitness despite not being called up for Spain

After two torrid seasons filled with injuries and fitness issues, Ansu Fati is being eased into action by Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez this term.

The 19-year-old spent most of the 2020/21 campaign out on the sidelines due to a serious knee injury while hamstring issues kept him out of action for a large part of the last season.

While he has returned to full fitness this time out, Xavi is taking no risk with the La Masia graduate. Indeed, Ansu Fati has started just one of Barcelona’s eight official matches this term, even though he has featured in all of them.

The 19-year-old’s lack of regular game-time this term ended up costing him a place in the Spain squad for the UEFA Nations League fixtures while casting doubts over his involvement in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in November.

The situation is certain to be frustrating for the teenage sensation, who despite having the trust of his manager and coaching staff, is going through a difficult moment in his career.

But, as reported by Santi Ovalle on SER Ansu Fati is relaxed and calm about the situation and understands that he is undergoing a process to get his rhythm back.

While the lack of minutes and the snub from the national team are minor setbacks, the Spanish forward understands that it is part of the process on his road to recovery and once he completes that, he can break into the team at both club and international levels.

In eight matches so far this term, Fati has scored and assisted two goals apiece. With a packed schedule lying ahead for Barcelona after the international break, the youngster could see more involvement, which would help him force his way back into the national team setup.