Barcelona are awaiting news on the welfare of Ousmane Dembele ahead of their Europa League clash with Manchester United next month.
The winger came off after 25 minutes in his club’s 1-0 La Liga win against Girona on Saturday holding his leg. Dembele managed to walk off the pitch unaided which will come as a boost for Xavi.
Speaking after the match, the Barcelona boss said: “There’s an injury. I think there’s an injury. It’s a shame because he’s a differential player. He’s noticed something, so surely there’s an injury. He’s noticed a quadriceps injury.”
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His side welcome United to Camp Nou on February 16, and so will hope that is enough time for the Frenchman to return from any issue. However, Dembele has had persistent setbacks during his time at Barcelona having missed 18 games through injury last season.
The 25-year-old is part of Xavi's first-choice starting XI and should he be ruled out for their Europa League meeting with United, it would count as a blow. He has netted eight times - already six more than last term - and provided seven assists in 28 appearances this season.
Dembele has not always had an amicable relationship with his club. He was on the brink of leaving last January after claiming that the hierarchy had tried to force him out amid their financial troubles.
He ultimately signed a new two-year deal in the summer after enjoying a revival under Xavi. Barcelona will host United before the return leg at Old Trafford a week later.
United finished second in their Europa League group meaning they are required to play a play-off match against a Champions League dropout - Barcelona - in order to qualify for the last 16.
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