Monaco’s wait for Ansu Fati may be nearing its end. After a cautious start to the campaign, the 23-year-old forward could finally be ready to make his first appearance of the season against Lens on Friday night.
Ansu Fati in contention for Lens trip
Fati has not played a minute for Monaco in either pre-season fixtures or competitive matches after calf trouble interrupted his summer preparation. The Principality club opted against rushing him back, instead placing the former Barcelona attacker on an individual training programme to avoid a more serious setback.
That patience could now pay off. Fati is expected to have a chance of making Monaco’s matchday squad for the Ligue 1 meeting with Lens and could even be handed minutes if he is deemed fully ready.
Monaco made his move permanent this summer for €11 million after an impressive loan spell last season. He signed a contract running until 2030 after scoring 12 goals for the club: 11 in Ligue 1 and one in the Champions League.
Folarin Balogun could also return to Monaco’s squad for Friday’s match. The striker is set to remain at the club at least until January.
There are concerns elsewhere in the Monaco midfield. Stanis Idumbo, 21, came back from the match against Strasbourg with a muscular problem and remains doubtful for the Lens game. The midfielder will hope to recover quickly after receiving his first call-up from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Teenage Moroccan midfielder Anis Soubeir will not be available after sustaining an ankle sprain against Strasbourg. The 19-year-old is expected to miss the Lens fixture.
SEO Title: Ansu Fati could make Monaco return against Lens
SEO Description: Monaco forward Ansu Fati could play his first minutes of the season against Lens after recovering from a calf issue, while Stanis Idumbo is doubtful and Anis Soubeir is out.
