Barcelona youngster hoping to get minutes on his return to a ‘special ground’

After more than a year, Ansu Fati returned to playing for FC Barcelona last week when he made an appearance off the bench against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League.

The 21-year-old had not played for the club since August last year, having spent the previous season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, and then getting injured during pre-season in the summer.

Manager Hansi Flick has spoken highly of the 21-year-old attacking prodigy. However, he has seemingly been a bit reluctant to give him minutes as Fati did not feature at all in the last two matches against Villarreal and Getafe.

Ansu Fati hoping to feature vs Osasuna

Now, Mundo Deportivo reports that Ansu Fati is hoping that Flick will give him some minutes when Barcelona take on CA Osasuna at El Sadar on Saturday night.

The weekend clash represents a special occasion for Ansu as he returns to El Sadar – the ground where he scored his first-ever goal for Barça.

Ansu Fati scored his first senior goal at El Sadar vs Osasuna. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Indeed, it was on 31 August 2019, when, aged just 16 years and 304 days, Fati scored his first La Liga goal in a 2-2 draw against Osasuna.

That goal made him the youngest player to score in Barcelona history and the third youngest in La Liga history, writing his name into the record books of Spanish football.

That goal was a glimpse into what seemed like a meteoric rise for the young forward, who has since been regarded as one of the brightest prospects in world football.

However, injuries have hindered his progress in recent years. After undergoing multiple knee surgeries and dealing with muscle issues, Fati is aiming to regain his best form under Flick.

And, the La Masia gem will be hoping that he gets an opportunity to shine on his return to El Sadar, a stadium filled with fond memories for him.