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Barcelona Coach Ronald Koeman offered an exciting update on 18-year-old striker Ansu Fati, who is very close to a first-team return after a 10-month absence due to a knee injury.
Fati is back in full training and Koeman was questioned at a pre-game press conference on Sunday when the teenager might be ready to return. The Dutchman has made it clear that fans don’t have too much to wait to see Fati make his long-awaited return.
“Ansu is a very young player. He showed his great qualities, he scored many goals at the start of last season, ”he told reporters. “We don’t mean a date but he works hard, he trains with the team, so hopefully in a week or 10 days, more or less, he will be back. It’s very important for our team We are talking about a great player.
Koeman’s update means Fati will miss Barcelona’s next two La Liga games against Granada and Cadiz, but suggests he could be fit for Levante’s visit to Camp Nou on Sunday, September 26.
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Koeman talks about Coutinho and Aguero’s progress
Fati’s return will be a huge boost for Barcelona, especially with the Catalan giants running out of attacking options due to injuries. Sergio Aguero, Martin Braithwaite and Ousmane Dembele remain on the sidelines, although Philippe Coutinho is back in great shape.
Koeman spoke about the Brazilian’s chances of starting against Granada on Monday, September 20, and also provided an update on Aguero’s recovery from a calf injury.
“Kun is working in the field with physiotherapists, not with us and we cannot confirm when he will be back yet,” he explained. “Coutinho, he played a good few minutes against Bayern. He needs more rhythm of course and we’ll decide if he can start or not. He can’t play 90 minutes yet, so we’ll decide what’s best.
Coutinho appeared as a substitute in Barcelona’s 3-0 Champions League defeat to Bayern in his first appearance for the club since 259 days after a serious knee injury.
Can Barcelona bounce back?
Barcelona return to action on Monday against Granada needing to bounce back from the loss to Bayern. The Catalans have yet to taste La Liga defeat so far in 2021-22, but were beaten by Granada last season at Camp Nou.
Granada have since changed managers, bringing in Robert Moreno to replace Diego Martinez, and Koeman has shared his thoughts on his side’s next opponents.
“I don’t think they’ve changed much. Each manager has their ideas but it’s a team with a clear system, 4-3-3, a physically strong team, “he said.” It will be a direct game, they are looking to attack and that is It’s true that they’ve had confident players since last year, we play at home, with the fans, and it’s not comparable to last season.
Koeman steps into the game amid growing speculation about his future following the Bayern loss and will know that anything less than a win will increase the scrutiny of his Camp Nou position.
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