Barcelona give shock first-team call up to 16-year-old wonderkid Ansu Fati after dazzling in youth league
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BARCELONA boss Ernesto Valverde got a closer look at teenage sensation Ansu Fati on Wednesday when calling the winger up to first-team training.
Many within the club are excited by the 16-year-old's potential after he wowed last season's UEFA Youth League.
And, with several stars out of action for the Blaugrana at this stage of the season, Fati was given the chance to impress during the seniors' workout.
Barcelona recently put the youngster on a new three-year contract having lost a number of La Masia stars to rival sides of late.
Fati isn't expected to appear for the first-team in a competitive game any time soon and instead features for their Juvenil A Under-18 side, coached by Victor Valdes.
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Last season saw the Guinea-Bissau born forward hit four goals and three assists in the Youth League - which is effectively the Champions League for academy sides.
That included a brace in the semi-final against Chelsea, Fati also scoring his penalty as Barca lost the shootout.
Fati's inclusion in first-team training was partly down to Barcelona's troublesome injury list.
Lionel Messi missed Wednesday's session after picking up a knock in the season opening loss to Athletic Club.
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Also absent were Luis Suarez, Neto and Ousmane Dembele, while right-back Nelson Semedo was able to return to work.
A trio of youngsters from the Barcelona B team also trained with the seniors - goalkeeper Inaki Pena, winger Carles Perez and 19-year-old forward Abel Ruiz.
After losing their La Liga opener in Bilbao, the defending champions will hope for an easier ride on Sunday as they host a down-on-their-luck Real Betis side at the Camp Nou.