Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has acknowledged that he anticipates the absence of Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati for an extended period due to his recent injury setback. Fati, at the age of 21, sought to revive his career with Brighton on loan during the summer, aiming to overcome persistent injury challenges that have plagued him since a knee injury in November 2020 disrupted nearly a year of his promising career.
In his second start of the Premier League season last weekend against Nottingham Forest, Fati only managed 21 minutes before hobbling to the bench. Reports suggest he is now set to face a three-month layoff due to a muscular problem.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Manager De Zerbi expressed, “Ansu and [Tariq] Lamptey are both injured. We have lost them for a considerable period, I think.”
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Before this recent setback, Fati contributed four goals and an assist in 14 appearances for Brighton. Unfortunately, this injury could sideline him until March.
Extended breaks due to injuries are regrettably familiar to Fati. Following an 11-month absence due to a knee injury, he faced a series of hamstring issues between November 2021 and April 2022. Subsequently, he struggled to regain his top form for Barcelona.
This prompted the decision to loan Fati out during the summer, and the 21-year-old found himself with Brighton, primarily utilized as a substitute by Manager De Zerbi.
Notably, there is no purchase clause in Fati’s loan agreement with Brighton. Consequently, the winger will return to Barcelona next summer with three years remaining on his contract.