Barcelona starlet wants to fight for a place in the first-team squad after loan spell | OneFootball

With the season at Elche now finished and survival secured after a dramatic ending to the campaign, Hector Fort has already switched his focus back toward FC Barcelona.

Indeed, according to SPORT, the right-back wants to push hard before Barcelona’s preseason begins in order to arrive in the best possible physical condition and fight for a place in the first-team squad.

Back after a loan spell

Last summer, Hansi Flick decided that a loan move represented the best path for Fort, allowing him to gain minutes and experience after his first season under the German coach had provided only limited opportunities.

The La Masia graduate spent the on loan at Elche, and completed a campaign that combined promising moments and strong performances with significant setbacks, most notably a shoulder injury that kept him out for more than three months.

Hector Fort showed promise in his limited minutes. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

As a result, the overall assessment of his season has been somewhat mixed.

Fort suffered the injury with such bad luck that surgery became necessary. A significant part of his rehabilitation was carried out at Barcelona’s facilities. Eventually, on April 22, he returned to an Elche squad list.

One week later, against Real Oviedo, he was able to return to action and during the final part of the season he alternated between appearances and absences.

His final numbers for the campaign were: 17 matches, three goals, two assists from 623 minutes played.

Already focus switched to Barcelona

Eager to get back into Flick’s setup. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images)

Having said his goodbye to Elche, Fort has already switched mentally toward his next challenge – Barcelona.

On Monday he was seen again at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Several Barcelona players were present there, including Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Frenkie de Jong, all involved in different stages of preparation and recovery work.

Fort’s plan now is clear – work his way back into Flick’s squad. He will continue fine-tuning his preparation over the coming days before taking a break for vacation.

As things stand, he is expected to report back on July 15 alongside the rest of the available players for medical examinations and the beginning of pre-season training.