FC Barcelona manager Xavi stated during a news conference on Friday that there are few better forwards than Ousmane Dembele. The 25-year-old winger is preparing to return to action following an extended period of being sidelined through injury.
We have missed Ousmane,” Xavi stated. “He is the best player we have in one-on-one situations. There are few better than him. His recovery has taken longer [than expected] but he is back and he is happy. We will see if he can start on Saturday or come on. It’s great news to have him available.”
Originally expected to be out for up to six weeks after injuring his thigh against Girona in January, Dembele ended up spending close to three months on the sidelines.
Barca has struggled to find form without the forward, being eliminated from both the Europa League and the Copa del Rey during Dembele’s absence. The club remains on track to win this season’s La Liga title, holding a commanding 11-point lead over their second-placed rivals Real Madrid with only seven games left to play of the campaign.
