Ansu Fati: Former Barcelona wonderkid returns from more injury woe to star for AS Monaco against CSKA Sofia in UEFA Conference League

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Ansu Fati, still only 23, has already experienced considerable ups and downs in his career, and after signing for AS Monaco on a permanent deal in June, suffered more injury woes to miss the entirety of the new season so far.

That was until he appeared from the start on Thursday night in the UEFA Conference League.

Fati made the most of being in Filipe Luis's first XI to put on a fine display at CSKA Sofia, knitting the visitors' attack together and hitting what turned out to be the winning goal in the 44th minute.

The wide smile on his face hinted at his relief at being back fit, and able to contribute to a Monaco side where he impressed last term, notching 12 goals to earn his four-year permanent deal with the club.

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Fati began his career at FC Barcelona, joining the Blaugrana at 10 years old and coming up through the club's fabled La Masia academy.

He made his first-team debut in 2019 aged 16 days and 298 days, at the time becoming the second-youngest player to make his debut for the club, before Lamine Yamal took the record outright when he debuted for Barca in 2023, aged 15.

Huge hype surrounded the fleet-footed Fati, but his career stalled amid a spate of injuries.

Since the start of the 2019 season, Fati - per Transfermarkt - has suffered 17 separate issues that have caused him to miss matches.

That led to him seeking out pastures new away from Catalonia, taking in a loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion in the 2023/24 season, before another temporary move to Monaco last term.

He might have hoped his injury problems were finally behind him, making 30 appearances last season in which he became a key cog in the Monegasques' forward line, earning his move in the summer.

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But a calf injury saw him out of action for 45 days, as he missed the club's first eight matches this season.

Monaco understandably exercised caution over his return, with boss Luis being at pains to ensure Fati came back when he was ready.

And after turning in a strong display before being withdrawn on 77 minutes, Fati's latest rehabilitation appears to have been handled in the right way.

Ansu Fati celebrates after scoring against CSKA Sofia

Image credit: Getty Images

Monaco are already flying high in Ligue 1 this term, topping the table after six games with Paris Saint-Germain - winners of the last five French league titles in a row - three points back in sixth.

The return of Fati could give them an extra boost as they bid to maintain their strong start in all competitions.

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