Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele is set to spend more time on the sidelines for the Catalans after suffering a thigh injury during their La Liga win over Girona on Saturday, January 28. The French winger, described by coach Xavi as Barcelona's 'most important player in one-on-one situations', may struggle to be back in time for the Europa League play-off first leg against Manchester United, which takes place on February 16 at Camp Nou.
The Spanish giants are yet to give an official estimate on how long the French international faces on the sidelines, but local reports have suggested it may be a three-week absence. The injury took some of the shine off an eighth victory — against Girona — in nine La Liga games, with Dembele's replacement off the bench, Pedri, scoring the only goal of the game.
Dembele had to be substituted 26 minutes into the match and underwent checks before visitors Barcelona embarked on their short journey home. Barcelona announced on their website: "Tests this evening on Ousmane Dembele have revealed that he has strained the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh. It means he is sidelined until he can recover from the injury."
Speaking on Dembele's injury, Barcelona manager Xavi said, "It's a shame because he is an important player."
Dembele has eight goals and seven assists for Barcelona this season, with those combined 15 goal involvements bettered only by Robert Lewandowski's 27 (22 goals, five assists) among Xavi's squad.
Barcelona have La Liga games against Real Betis, Sevilla and Villarreal before their all-important clash against Manchester United.
(With Opta Inputs)
