The start of Ansu Fati's new chapter at AS Monaco has become an unexpected mystery. The Spanish forward has not played an official match since May 17, when he completed all 90 minutes in Monaco's 5-4 victory over Strasbourg. His return now appears likely to be delayed until September.
Ansu Fati Mystery: The Monaco Forward Remains Sidelined
AS Monaco paid €11 million to sign Ansu Fati, but the Spanish forward has yet to play a single minute this season due to a muscle injury.
Monaco decided during the summer to exercise its €11 million purchase option for the player following an encouraging campaign. However, a calf problem in his right leg has prevented him from making his season debut.
Ansu Fati picked up the injury during preseason and appeared close to returning before suffering another setback. The medical staff have therefore taken a cautious approach, and he will not be available for Monaco's Conference League qualifying clash against Górnik.
His return is also unlikely to come in Monaco's next major fixtures. The forward is expected to miss Sunday's meeting with Olympique Marseille at the Stade Louis II, as well as next Friday's trip to face Paris Saint-Germain.
There is no major concern inside Monaco, although the club had hoped to have Fati available from the opening weeks of the campaign. Manager Filipe Luís and the medical staff are being particularly careful given the player's previous injury problems
The situation is frustrating considering Fati's impressive numbers last season. He recorded 12 goal contributions, scoring 11 goals in Ligue 1 and one in the Champions League. Those performances convinced Monaco to make his move permanent.
For now, the priority is to ensure that Fati makes a full recovery and avoids another setback. If his rehabilitation continues positively, Ansu Fati could return sometime in September.
