Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com
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FC Barcelona will play at Granada FC (6:30 p.m.) on Saturday evening without Ansu Fati (19). Barça coach Xavi Hernandez made this clear at the matchday press conference.
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“We considered letting him play for a few minutes tomorrow. But we decided against it. We didn’t want to take any risks,” said the 41-year-old trainer on Friday.
Ansu Fati sustained an injury in November. His comeback is imminent. Possibly already next Wednesday in the semi-finals of the Supercopa de Espana against Real Madrid. “Ansu Fati will be at the Supercopa,” emphasized Xavi.
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The home grown is a “fundamental player” for Barça, agrees the ex-midfield director in praise. “To know that he will be back soon is spectacular news for us. He has done a very good job with very strong ambitions.”
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Foto: Saolab Press / Shutterstock.com
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Ferran Torres still no option against Granada
Not only Ansu Fati is missing in the league game against Granada, Ferran Torres (21) also has to postpone his debut. The € 55 million new signing from Manchester City is not yet eligible to play. But the Spanish international couldn’t have played anyway.
“His corona test was positive again today. So it doesn’t matter whether we have the license for him or not,” said Xavi. Even after Philippe Coutinho’s loan to Aston Villa, Barça still have to create financial room for maneuver in order to register Torres.
Xavi relies on the work of Barcelona’s managing director. “Mateu Alemany is working meticulously so that he can play for us after his corona infection,” said the 41-year-old: “I remain optimistic, Mateu is doing an outstanding job.”
Only one win counts against Granada
Even without Fati and Torres, Barça travels to Andalusia with a clear mission. “Barça cannot afford to lose or draw,” said Xavi. “Granada won’t make it easy for us tomorrow. A win tomorrow would improve our team spirit and morale.”
Barça was able to improve to fifth place in the Primera Division after two wins from three games. The gap to fourth place and Atletico Madrid is only one point. Granada are in 13th place ahead of the duel against Barça.
Tor: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Neto, Inaki Pena
Abwehr: Dest, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba, Oscar Mingueza, Samuel Umtiti, Eric Garcia, Alex Balde, Dani Alves
Midfield: Sergio Busquets, Riqui Puig, Nico, Gavi, Alvaro Sanz
Angriff: Ousmane Dembele, Memphis, Jutgla, Ez Abde, Ilias Akhomach
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