Koeman's Ansu Fati dilemma ahead of key Champions League game

Ansu Fati's the name on everyone's lips. He returned in style with a brilliant goal against Levante at the weekend after 10 months out to help the club's fans dream again. Now, in the extasis of the moment, many want him to start against Benfica on Wednesday.

Ronald Koeman has said Ansu's return will be progressive. Against Levante he played for 10 minutes, with more expected in Lisbon in the Champions League this week.

Caution is advised but it's also true that if Ansu's back playing it's because his knee has completely recovered. The final phase of his return to training has been overseen to the smallest details, so there should be any risk in him starting and playing for 45-50 minutes.

Despite that, it seems more likely that Ansu is once again on the bench and an option to come on if Barça are struggling in their second game in European football this season. With Ousmane Dembele injured and Memphis Depay starting every game, Koeman now has an option to introduce in the second half.

The last time Ansu started for Barça was on Nov. 7 2020 against Real Betis. That was the day he injured his knee and now, nearly 11 months later, he's returned to give everyone at the club a boost. Whether he starts or not this week. hopes has returned to Camp Nou thanks to the young star.

Barça need to win in Lisbon after losing their opening game in the Champions League 3-0 to Bayern Munich at Camp Nou.