Hansi Flick handed boost as Barcelona star likely to return from injury for Girona clash - Reports

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has received a timely boost as forward Ansu Fati is reportedly closing in on a return to full fitness. The Spain international is expected to be available for La Blaugrana when they face Girona in their derby encounter after the international break.

Academy graduate Fati is looking to pick up the pieces and get his Barcelona career back on track after a number of injury-hit seasons at the club. The talented winger spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion after then-manager Xavi decided for him to leave temporarily. However, he suffered an injury there as well, making just 27 appearances across competitions.

Fati returned this summer to commence pre-season under Hansi Flick and managed to impress the German manager in the first weeks of training. The Spaniard has, however, not featured in any games this season due to a foot injury picked up during training.

Mundo Deportivo reports that the 21-year-old forward is set to return to action when the team faces neighbors Girona at Montilivi on September 15. Fati had suffered from plantar fasciitis but is now set to return to full fitness for the side.

Barcelona have started the 2024-25 season in menacing form, claiming four wins from four in the league with three wins in three games. Their most recent game saw them batter Real Valladolid by seven unreplied goals just before the international break.

Hansi Flick has plans to have Fati deputise for veteran striker Robert Lewandowski as the spearhead of the side's attack. The youngster has retained the No. 10 shirt at the club despite multiple sides trying to sign him in the summer and is set to continue at his boyhood club. The club can do with the news of Fati's return, having already lost Marc Bernal and Fermin Lopez to injury.

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Barcelona star turns down surgery as he nears return to action - Reports

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong has reportedly refused to undergo surgery to repair his ankle problem as he prepares to return to action. The Netherlands international has been out of action since picking up an ankle injury in El Clasico back in April.

De Jong injured the same ankle thrice in the 2023-24 season, and the last injury ensured that he missed Euro 2024. The former Ajax man was advised to go under the knife, with the club worried about the length of his absence.

Mundo Deportivo reports that De Jong is determined not to undergo any surgeries on his ankle and hopes to return to action shortly. The midfielder will miss most of the campaign if he does go under the knife, and he is keen to avoid this and allow his ankle to heal itself.