Barcelona forward Ansu Fati to return for El Clásico against Real Madrid

Ansu Fati will be Barcelona’s big news ahead of Thursday’s game against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. AS understands the young forward will be back with the squad on Wednesday and he is now expected to be included in the matchday squad to travel to Madrid for El Clásico.

It’s a return that will be welcomed with open arms, especially with the absence of Robert Lewandowski due to a hamstring strain. Fati injured his left knee after suffering a heavy blow during Friday’s training session, which prevented him from travelling with the team to Almería.

Will Fati replace Lewandowski in attack?

It remains to be seen what role Xavi has in store for Fati ahead of Thursday’s Clásico. The absence of Lewandowski opens the door for Ansu to play as a 9 - although this season he has not performed well when he has had to replace Lewandowski. He could end up losing his place in the starting lineup to Ferran Torres, who in the last few games looks to be regaining confidence.

In 2022-23, Ansu has only scored six goals: three in LaLiga (Real Sociedad, Cádiz and Villarreal), two in the Copa (Intercity and Ceuta) and one in the Spanish Super Cup (Betis).

Barcelona struggling in front of goal

The Spain international is expected to play some part in the Clásico, either from the start or in the second half, as lately the Blaugrana have been struggling to find the back of the net.

Apart from the absence of Lewandowski, Xavi will also be without Ousmane Dembélé and Pedri, two of the club’s greatest goalscoring threats. As things stand, the most effective player in front of goal that Xavi can count on for the trip to Madrid is Raphinha, with a total of seven goals this season.