Xavi explains 'great caution' with Fati amid promising Barcelona form

However, despite Ansu Fati's promising showing off the bench,

head coach

Xavi

will continue to use "great caution" with him.

In November 2020, the

Spain

international suffered a catastrophic knee injury that necessitated surgery, and he also had reoccurring hamstring problems. Since his breakthrough in the 2019-20 season, Fati has started only nine league games and has only been used as a substitute in five games this season.

has stood out in his few LaLiga appearances, contributing to two goals and two assists in 120 minutes of action, but Xavi has made it clear that he will not rush the 19-year-old back into the starting lineup.

"We are making a plan with great caution. These sensations I had are costing a little, but we are doing well." He told reporters on Friday. "He has to be an important footballer for us. You have to raise the pace, but little by little. It's a difficult situation to manage because he hasn't been playing for a long time and the pace and intensity requires time but also prudence and caution."

"At Barcelona I have decided that it is a matter of caution and prudence. I like him and it motivates me [to get him] in the starting eleven. It's not a mental issue. He takes it well. I spoke to him seven or eight days ago. I told him where we were and made him speak. I have regular meetings with the players. We are very close to everyone, but especially to Ansu because he is a special case."

Gavi

, another vital gear in Barcelona's machine, signed a new deal this week, making Xavi very happy. "It's great news, the most important of the whole week. Player of the present and future. He is a leader, despite his age. He has character, passion. He's a heart with legs. He has intensity, he is able to play as you want, in different positions. He has matured, he understands time very well, he plays more fluidly."

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