Barcelona secured a 1-0 victory over Girona on Saturday, but the win was marred by the forced substitution of Ousmane Dembele due to injury. The Frenchman appeared to suffer a muscle problem during the match, and Xavi offered a brief update on the situation post-game. “I think there is a significant injury,” he said. “It’s a shame, because he is one of the most decisive footballers for us, the most differential.”
The club later confirmed that Dembele had suffered a quadriceps injury, but did not provide an estimate for how long he will be out. While Dembele was able to walk off the pitch and take a seat on the bench, he was spotted limping after the match.
Missed Games:
According to reports, Dembele is set to miss the next 3-4 weeks of action, ruling him out of crucial La Liga matches against Real Betis, Villarreal, and Sevilla. He will also miss the first leg of the Europa League playoff against Manchester United at the Camp Nou on February 16th and the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
The loss of Dembele is a significant blow for Barcelona, as the Frenchman has been in excellent form this season. He has scored 8 goals and provided 7 assists in 28 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his importance to the team. His speed, skill, and ability to create chances make him one of the most dangerous attackers in La Liga.
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Barcelona will now have to adjust their tactics and lineup without Dembele, and will likely turn to players like Raphinha and Ansu Fati to fill the void. The team will also need to hope that Dembele’s injury is not as severe as feared, and that he can return to action as soon as possible.
Title Race Impact:
Despite the injury, Barcelona will have to continue to fight for their position at the top of the table. They currently sit at the top spot in La Liga, 6 points ahead of second place Real Madrid. Having played one more game. Real Betis, Villarreal, Sevilla, and Manchester United will all pose difficult challenges for the Catalan giants, and they will need to be at their best if they hope to secure victories in these matches.
Barcelona will now have to show character and determination to overcome this setback, and prove that they are still a top team in Europe. The absence of Dembele will undoubtedly be felt, but the team will have to come together and work as a unit if they hope to secure the victories they need to keep their title hopes alive.