In the Principality, where Monaco’s season is moving on without one of its summer arrivals, Ansu Fati will have to wait a little longer for his first appearance in red and white. The 23-year-old forward has returned to full training, but he was not included in Filipe Luis’s squad for Friday’s Ligue 1 meeting with Lens at the Stade Louis II.
Fati has not played a minute for Monaco this season, either in pre-season fixtures or competitive football. Calf trouble interrupted his summer preparation, leading the club to place him on an individual conditioning programme rather than risk a more serious injury. Although his return to group work is an encouraging step, the intention is for the former Barcelona attacker to resume his match involvement after the international break.
Monaco made Fati’s move permanent during the summer, paying Barcelona €11 million and handing him a contract running until 2030. His previous campaign in the Principality brought 12 goals: 11 in Ligue 1 and one in the Champions League. For now, however, the wait for a new chapter with the Louis II side continues.
Balogun returns to the matchday picture
There is a first squad selection of the season for Folarin Balogun, who is also yet to feature. The United States international reported back late after the World Cup and then suffered a knock, delaying his own start to the campaign. He is expected to begin among the substitutes against Lens, offering Monaco another attacking option as the autumn schedule approaches.
