Barcelona injury-prone attacker is ‘fitter and faster’ this season, tests reveal

From being an untouchable at FC Barcelona, Ansu Fati’s future has become a matter of internal debate. There are no doubts over the youngster’s potential, however, several decision-makers on the board are beginning to lose patience with the La Masia graduate.

One cannot blame Fati for his setbacks, for they came as a never-ending set of unfortunate events. Injury-plagued, the academy gem was forced to undergo repeated surgery that was expected to have a detrimental effect on his on-field performance.

According to reports from Mois Llorens, Barcelona have conducted their latest assessment of the young phenom’s fitness.

The internal examinations revealed that Fati is completely recovered and ready to take more load. They also hinted that the player is now faster and fitter than he has been, recently.

While his physical condition may be close to optimum, there is a certain psychological barrier that Fati must tread past.

Being held out of action for over a year can be tough on even the world’s best players, and to go through that in his teenage years would certainly bear its load.

Fati may no longer possess the burst of pace that he did in his initial spell at the club. However, his high footballing acumen, coupled with the right mentality, can still unleash a frightening sight.

The 20-year-old has made 20 appearances for Barcelona this season in La Liga but averages under 40 minutes per game. In his cameo-filled spell with the club in the league, he has scored three goals and provided three assists.

It is high time Fati steps up his game, for talks over a possible transfer have already begun. Given Ousmane Dembele’s injury and the availability of a starting spot, the time is right.