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Spain: Enrique explains Ansu Fati decision in World Cup selection

Ansu Fati - Spain
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The Barcelona star has sealed a place in La Roja’s squad despite his recent injury setbacks.

Luis Enrique hopes Ansu Fati can regain his best form as soon as possible after including him in Spain’s World Cup squad.

La Roja’s 26-man list for the tournament contains a few major surprises. The likes of Sergio Ramos, Thiago Alcantara, and Marc Cucurella are out of the squad, while Fati returns to the national team.

The 20-year-old hasn’t played for Spain since October 2020, when he suffered a long-term knee injury. However, his recent return to action at Barcelona has convinced Enrique to call him out for the Qatar tournament.

“Ansu is in a process of getting back to being the player he was before his injury,” Enrique told reporters.

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“He’s now totally recovered. He’s played a lot of games for his club. We can discuss when he’ll be back at his previous level, we all want that.”

Fati’s teammate, Gerard Pique, retired from football with an unexpected statement last week. Enrique reveals the former Barca star was on his provisional list for the World Cup.

“Pique was on the provisional list because when I came up with the provisional list he was an active player,” Luis Enrique said.

“He’s a competitive machine, or he was. When I named the list of 55 I thought clearly [about him], not as a first option because the line has been one of continuity.”

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