Luis Enrique Admits Selecting Barcelona’s Ansu Fati in Spain’s Final World Cup Squad Is a Gamble

• Spain boss Luis Enrique confirmed his decision to include Ansu Fati in his 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup was a late move
• Enrique left Fati out of his squad for September’s UEFA Nations League games due to concerns over his playing time at the Camp Nou
• After having knee surgery in November 2020, Fati has struggled in the past 18 months to regain both form and complete fitness

Spain boss, Luis Enrique has revealed taking Ansu Fati to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is a big risk after selecting the Barcelona forward in his final 26-man squad.

Fati is regarded as one of Spain’s brightest young talents but the 20-year-old has seen his growth hampered by a long-term knee injury suffered in November 2020.

According to Football Espana, Enrique has now admitted that selecting Fati was a last-minute decision and a gamble he hopes will pay off at the World Cup.

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“It’s been one of the main doubts until the last minute. I have gambled on him over other players. Ansu’s level is unquestionable. He’s gone through a difficult time and I had doubts until the last second.”

Fati could feature in the pre-tournament friendly against Jordan on November 17 before Spain kick off their Group E campaign against Costa Rica six days later.

Fati reacts to Spain World Cup call-up

Meanwhile, Barcelona forward Ansu Fati has admitted he's in dreamland after being called up to the Spain squad for World Cup 2022 by Luis Enrique, Goal reports.

Fati has been plagued by injuries and hasn't played for Spain since October 2020, but this season, he's made three appearances in La Liga after regaining full match fitness.

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The 20-year-old took to social media to express his joy at being called up for the World Cup as he says it will be a huge pride to represent Spain at the World Cup.

Enrique explains reason for dropping Ansu Fati

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Ansu Fati will not be part of Spain’s squad to tackle Switzerland and Portugal in the Nations League after he was dropped by Luis Enrique in his 25-man list.

The 19-year-old forward has scored two goals and created two assists for Barcelona so far this season but his performances for Barcelona were not enough to earn him a place in the Spain squad.

Spain’s manager, Luis Enrique has now blamed Fati’s lack of starting games for the Catalan giants as the reason for dropping the teenager.