Ansu Fati faces six-week lay-off after latest Monaco injury

Ansu Fati is expected to miss around six weeks after suffering another muscle injury while playing for Monaco.

The 23-year-old forward was found to have injured the muscles at the back of his left thigh, according to French newspaper Nice-Matin.

Fati was forced off after only 15 minutes of Monaco’s 1-1 draw with Lille on Sunday. He felt discomfort in the area but initially believed he might be able to continue.

However, the coaching staff decided to substitute him as a precaution. Fati left the Stade Louis II appearing to be in pain and limping.

The latest setback comes after a lengthy period of fitness problems for the player, who missed the first two months of the current season because of a calf injury sustained during pre-season.

He returned to action against Toulouse on 10 October, and had begun showing signs of regaining his form. Fati scored twice in the Conference League, against CSKA Sofia and Freiburg, as he looked to re-establish himself in the Monaco team.

His latest injury has halted that progress once again. If his rehabilitation follows the planned schedule, he could return at the beginning of December.

Monaco manager Filipe Luis had previously expressed concern about the recurrence of the forward’s injuries. He said solutions needed to be found to help Fati regain full fitness and maintain his availability for the team.

This is Fati’s fourth injury since he joined Monaco last summer. He has missed 16 matches for the club because of injuries, having also experienced a difficult injury record during his time with Barcelona.

Fati has made 35 appearances for Monaco and scored 14 goals.

Monaco are third in the Ligue 1 table with 15 points. Lille are second on the same number of points, but sit above them on goal difference.