Barcelona forward Ansu Fati enters final straight of recovery

Almost 90 days later, Ansu Fati can see the light at the end of the tunnel. His return to competitive action is near after suffering a hamstring injury against Athletic Club in January.

It's been a tough season for the youngster. He was still recovering from a serious injury at the start of the campaign, picked up against Real Betis in November 2020, but returned in September against Levante with a goal.

He played eight games before a knee problem against Celta Vigo forced him to miss another two months, before he reappeared again in the Supercopa, scoring against Real Madrid, before getting injured against Athletic in the Copa del Rey.

Despite the club's medical team suggesting surgery, he opted for conservative treatment, which allowed him to return sooner. He was also put off surgery by his previous experience, which led to him missing almost a year of football.

Ansu has been recovering in Madrid with the physiotherapist Joaquín Juan -- who has worked with Cristiano Ronaldo and Pau Gasol, among others -- but returned to Barça on March 28 to join in team training.

After two weeks, the sensations are good, which is key for Xavi, who has said they will not rush Ansu back.

This week the club will return to full training and get the all clear, making his return to action a matter of days. However, Thursday's game against Eintracht Frankfurt is considered too soon.

Xavi will take no risks, but he could return to the squad for Monday's game against Cadiz in LaLiga. In theory, it's an easier game, less demanding.