Ansu Fati makes first FC Barcelona appearance for 389 days

Thursday was a special day for Ansu Fati. It was 389 days since he had last turned out for FC Barcelona, back on 27 August 2023 in a 4-3 win away to Villarreal. Against Monaco in the opening game of the Champions League, the result was not the one anyone wanted, but at least the youngster was able to enjoy the experience of being back out on the pitch wearing the blaugrana jersey. 

Flick supportive

It wasn't until the 88th minute that he came on for Alejandro Balde, and eight minutes including injury time were far too few for him to have much an impact. But after spending the summer battling back from a right foot injury, this was just the start of what are hopefully going to be great things to come.

The hug from coach Hansi Flick just before he went out says it all. The German has a lot of faith in the La Masia graduate, using him at the very first opportunity in a frontline also composed of Raphinha and Ferran Torres. 

It was like starting all over for a player who spent most of last term on loan to Brighton, where he played 27 games and scored four goals. Now he's back where he belongs, and we can all look forward to seeing a lot more of him this season.