Barcelona head coach Xavi has all but confirmed that winger Ousmane Dembele will miss Thursday night's Europa League second-leg clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Frenchman, who has often been linked with a move to United in the past, missed Thursday's thrilling 2-2 draw between the two sides at Camp Nou through injury. He has missed each of Barcelona's last four matches with a hamstring problem.
Dembele, who has scored eight goals in all competitions for the La Liga heavyweights this season, suffered the blow when he limped out of the 1-0 win over Girona on January 28 after just 25 minutes. The Spanish club have strength in depth in forward areas and Raphinha, who scored their second goal against United in midweek, has slotted straight in at right-wing in his absence.
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And it looks as though the former Leeds United winger will continue to operate in that position in M16 on Thursday, with Xavi playing down any hopes that Dembele could return for the trip to England.
"He's doing some work on the training ground," said Xavi. "He is working with the medical staff and he will return to the group when he feels ready."
It has been reported in Spain that Dembele will be absent for all of Barcelona's next three matches, including their two La Liga outings either of the side the second meeting with Erik ten Hag's men.
Meanwhile, Xavi has confirmed that midfielder Sergio Busquets will return to the side for the trip to Old Trafford. He missed the first leg because of an ankle problem.
The Barcelona boss added: "Franck [Kessie] and Frenkie [de Jong] are doing well and Busquets is back. I hope we don't find him missing as much as a year ago.
"His absence is always noticeable. We have noticed. He is recovered and it is great news for us."
Barcelona are next in action this evening [Sunday], hosting Cadiz at Camp Nou at 8pm.
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