Ansu Fati underwent a third operation on his left knee in late March, reports ASH. The eighteen-year-old attacker of Barcelona suffered a tear in his meniscus on November 7 last year and has been fighting ‘against relentless setback’ for six months, according to the sports newspaper. Initially, the doctors thought of a rehabilitation period of four months, but six months later it is still unclear when Fati will be able to play football again.
According to ASH Fati’s recovery has been dramatic from day one. Shortly after his injury, the wing tip was operated on for the first time by Ramón Cugat, a leading sports surgeon in Spain. Due to complications, Fati had to stay in the hospital for 5 days after the procedure, which normally takes 48 hours. In the weeks that followed, new problems appeared: the knee remained inflamed and the pain did not subside.
At the beginning of January it was decided to operate on Fati for the second time, again under the supervision of Cugat. The winger had to deal with another setback when a wound infection developed after the grab. Fati then noticed during his rehabilitation that his left knee remained very sensitive to heavy loads and so, in consultation with the medical staff of Barcelona, a third procedure was decided. During that operation at the end of March, again under the supervision of Cugat, the condition of the suture was assessed and the meniscus cleaned.
The third operation was a last-ditch effort to save Fati’s meniscus. If no improvement occurs in the coming weeks, a fourth procedure will be an option, with the meniscus still being removed. That could solve Fati’s knee problems in the short and medium term, but is not an ideal option, because a functioning meniscus is actually essential for a long sports career. It is now clear that Fati will in any case not be in action this season. The attacker, who also has to pass the European Championship, focuses on preparing for the new season and hopes to be able to go to the Olympic Games with Spain.
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