Barcelona Rumors: Koeman Reveals When Lionel Messi Successor Will Return

Ronald Koeman has brought some positive news about the possible return of Ansu Fati.

After his exceptional start this season, Fati suffered a devastating knee injury that saw him missing almost the entirety of Barcelona’s current campaign.

Addressing the youngster’s situation, Barcelona manager Koeman bared that Fati is indeed experiencing some troubles in his rehabilitation. However, based on his assessment, Koeman is certain the 18-year-old will be back “next season.”

“I haven’t yet spoken with Ansu [Fati],” Koeman said in comments obtained by Diario Sport. “[But] I did speak with him before his [fourth surgery]. Poor kid, it’s taking a long time. Yes, there are things that haven’t gone well [in his recovery] but I don’t want to go into any more detail.”

“Five or six months is a long time,” the manager stressed. “The most important thing is that he’s going to recover, he’s going to get well and that he’ll be with us. It’s too bad that it’ll only be for next season. It’s important that we’re missing a player like him, but the most important thing is that he recovers well and returns to playing.”

Barcelona confirmed on its official website Thursday that Fati has had another knee operation in Portugal, the forward’s fourth since incurring the said injury.

The La Liga club announced that Fati was going to have a “clinical examination” on his left knee and will continue with the rehabilitation process.

“After traveling to Porto, Ansu Fati has undergone a check-up arthroscopy in his left knee by Dr. Jose Carlos Noronha, under the supervision of the Club’s Medical Services. The player will continue with his recovery process,” the club stated.

Barca further assured fans that the forward “is working hard to overcome the injury.”

Prior to being sidelined, the La Masia star had taken Barcelona by storm, having scored five goals in 10 games.

Last season, the teenage prodigy made his mark on Barca after setting an array of records, including becoming Barcelona’s youngest goalscorer at Camp Nou and youngest UEFA Champions League goalscorer.

What’s even more interesting about Fati was that during his maiden season with Barcelona’s senior squad, Barca captain Lionel Messi himself vowed to help him reach his full potential the same way he did with the club.

Messi’s statement, as well as the consistent impressive performances, quickly made Fati the favorite to fill the shoes the Argentine will soon leave at Barcelona.