KEY POINTS

  • Ansu Fati is out with a hamstring issue
  • He will most likely miss the trip to Bayern Munich next week
  • It is a must-win fixture for Barcelona to qualify for next round

In what would be a major setback for FC Barcelona, forward Ansu Fati could set to miss their trip to Bayern Munich next Wednesday (Dec. 8) in the UEFA Champions League.

Fati, who has had an injury-hit season so far in 2021-22, is currently out of action with a hamstring issue on his left leg. He was unable to train Wednesday, according to Spanish publication Marca.

The teenage sensation is working his best to return in time for the big game against Bayern Munich but it looks unlikely that he’ll regain full fitness by next week, according to Football Espana. The upcoming match against Bayern Munich is a must-win fixture for Barcelona, who have so far managed only seven points from five group games.

In the underway campaign, Fati has suffered a few injuries already. Earlier, he missed a few games due to Mensical Laceration before suffering from a knee issue. The Spaniard is definitely out until Dec. 7 and in this period, he is set to miss four more games.

Even though Fati has made only a few appearances, he delivered on most occasions he walked onto the field for Barcelona. The 19-year-old netted four goals and an assist in eight matches for the Catalans in the 2021-22 season.

Ansu Fati (R) is leading the next generation of young Barcelona talents.
Ansu Fati (R) is leading the next generation of young Barcelona talents. AFP / LLUIS GENE

Meanwhile, Barcelona will also be without Sergio Roberto for the game against Bayern Munich, which is a must-win tie for the five-time champions. The versatile midfielder will have to undergo surgery on the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh and is being treated in Turku, Finland, by Dr. Lasse Lempainen, who had previously operated on Ousmane Dembele, the Marca report further revealed.

After a poor start to the 2021-22 campaign, Barcelona sacked Ronald Koeman as their head coach and replaced the Dutchman with their former captain, Xavi. Since his arrival, the Catalans have stepped up their game.

Barcelona are now unbeaten in three consecutive fixtures now, including two wins and a goalless draw. The two wins came in La Liga, where they beat Espanyol 1-0 and Villarreal 3-1. These two victories have marked the Camp Nou side’s first instance of two straight league wins in the 2021-22 campaign, while the victory over Villarreal was their first away win this season.

Before the face off against Bayern Munich, Barcelona host Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday. With 23 points from 14 matches, Barcelona are currently placed seventh in the league table.

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