Ansu Fati’s much-anticipated move to AS Monaco from FC Barcelona has hit an early setback, with the Spanish international yet to feature in a single pre-season match since arriving at the Ligue 1 club.
Now one month into his Monaco spell, the 22-year-old winger—who also holds Guinea-Bissauan nationality—has been absent from all summer fixtures, raising questions about his readiness for the upcoming campaign.
Hopes had been high that the former Barcelona star would use his move to the French Riviera as a platform to reignite a career once touted as one of the most promising in European football.
Fati, whose development at Barcelona was hampered by recurring injuries, is currently undergoing a specially tailored fitness programme under Monaco’s medical and coaching staff.
Head coach Adi Hütter addressed the situation this week, stressing that caution remains the guiding principle in Fati’s rehabilitation and integration into the squad.
“I hope he returns quickly,” Hütter said. “But as we made clear from the start of preparation, we have to be patient with Ansu. There’s no question of rushing him and risking a relapse. We’re doing everything we can to get him back on track.”
The club’s decision to take a cautious approach stems from Fati’s lengthy injury record, which has seen him sidelined for significant periods in recent years.
While Monaco’s technical staff remain confident in the winger’s long-term potential, there is a clear understanding that his reintroduction must be handled with care to avoid aggravating past issues.
Fati’s arrival in Monaco was widely seen as a fresh start following a difficult spell at Barcelona, where the early promise of his teenage years was disrupted by persistent physical setbacks.
A loan move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League last season provided glimpses of his talent but failed to yield a sustained run of form or fitness.
Now in France, the young winger is hoping to reclaim the form that once made him the youngest goalscorer in Champions League history. Yet, with Ligue 1 set to begin shortly, his absence from all pre-season action is becoming increasingly noticeable.
Monaco supporters, while eager to see Fati don the red-and-white shirt, appear to be tempering their expectations amid the latest developments.
His continued unavailability suggests that his competitive debut may be weeks away, and even then, a gradual reintroduction is likely.
Despite the slow start, club insiders remain optimistic that Fati can still make a major impact once fully fit. His technical quality, vision, and attacking instinct have never been in question—only his ability to maintain fitness over the course of a season.
As Monaco prepare for the challenges ahead, the wait for Ansu Fati’s official debut continues. Until then, his journey in Ligue 1 remains paused, shaped by patience, precaution, and the persistent hope that the winger can finally put his injury struggles behind him.
