Barcelona's hopes of selling forward hit by injury setback

Barcelona have confirmed Ansu Fati has suffered a foot injury that is likely to rule him out of the pre-season tour of the United States, potentially scuppering a future transfer away from the club.

After breaking into the Catalan giants' first-team squad during the 2019/20 season, the 21-year-old then struggled with injuries for the following two campaigns before making 51 appearances in all competitions during 2022/23.

However, he was sent out on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion last term and could only feature in 27 games, scoring just four goals.

Fati has since returned to Spain and, despite impressing new manager Hansi Flick in pre-season so far, could be a player Barcelona look to sell during the summer transfer window to improve their infamously poor finances.

SPORT have recently reported fellow La Liga side Sevilla expect the winger to be made available for transfer after their Stateside tour, but those plans could now be revisited after Fati suffered an injury.

A post from Barca reads: "In training today, first team player Ansu Fati suffered a foot injury. He will undergo conservative treatment in Barcelona and his return to training will be determined by his recovery time."

Fati's future at Barca could be determined by the signings the club make over the summer. Lamine Yamal has achieved superstar status at only 17 years of age by leading Spain to Euro 2024 glory, while international teammate Nico Williams has been heavily touted for a move to Catalonia.

Williams has been warned against a move to Barcelona by a current Athletic Club teammate, while Dani Olmo's release clause at RB Leipzig recently expired.

Barca have also said goodbye to Sergi Roberto and Marcos Alonso following the expirations of their contracts, while Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo left after their loans came to an end.

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