Barcelona may miss Rayo Vallecano clash but return against Real Betis
Barcelona is still awaiting the return of star winger Ousmane Dembele from injury as the 2022-23 season approaches its conclusion.
The 25-year-old has been unable to play since late January, when he suffered a quadriceps injury against Girona. He was anticipated to be sidelined for no more than five weeks, but he has been out for nearly three months.
Dembele was anticipated to return for the La Liga Clasico against Real Madrid last month; however, his return was postponed until the Copa del Rey Clasico earlier this month.
However, his return never materialized, as the winger’s recuperation has been proceeding more slowly than anticipated.
Dembele returned to group training with the rest of the squad last week, but he was not selected to face Atletico Madrid because Xavi Hernandez and company did not wish to risk a relapse.
It was suggested that the 2018 FIFA World Cup champion could be available for Wednesday night’s match against Rayo Vallecano.
Nevertheless, club sources told Javi Miguel of AS that it is’very difficult’ for Dembele to be included on the squad list that will be published by manager Xavi on Tuesday.
Instead, Dembele is now expected to resume to action against Real Betis on Saturday night at Spotify Camp Nou.
As previously indicated, the club’s medical staff is unwilling to risk a relapse or complication with Dembele’s injury due to his past fitness issues, and as a result, they are delaying his return until the weekend, against Betis at home.
Moreover, even if he does return to the field against Manuel Pellegrini’s squad, it is rumored that the French forward will only play twenty minutes off the bench.
Therefore, Barcelona will continue to rely on Raphinha for the next two games. The Brazilian experienced some discomfort after the match against Atletico Madrid, but he should be fine to face Rayo Vallecano.
Barcelona may miss Rayo Vallecano clash but return against Real Betis