Mueez Ajao
– Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has said there are few forwards better than Ousmane Dembele as the Frenchman prepares to return to action after a lengthy injury layoff.
– Dembele, 25, was expected to be out for up to six weeks after injuring his thigh against Girona in January but spent three months on the sidelines.
– However, the winger returned to training earlier this month and has been included in the squad to face Real Betis this weekend as Barca close in on a first LaLiga title since 2019.
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– “We have missed Ousmane,” Xavi said in a news conference on Friday. “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.”
– Without Dembele, Barca have been eliminated from the Europa League and the Copa del Rey, although they have built an 11-point lead at the top of the table with just seven games to go.
– Dembele, who has scored eight goals and provided seven assists this season, can now play his part as Barca look to follow up Spanish Super Cup success with the LaLiga title.
– Despite boasting a commanding lead over Real Madrid in second place, Xaxi was asked if he feels it is taking a long time for Barca to get over the line after they lost 2-1 to Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday.
– “What felt like an eternity was last year, fighting to get second place,” Xavi said. “This season is not dragging at all; it makes me happy. I don’t get [the media] sometimes.
– “I am enjoying myself in LaLiga this season. I think we are competing well. Who would not have taken this position at the start of the year? I am having a great time. Last season’s league campaign dragged, not this one.
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– “It doesn’t surprise me. I said it on the day of my presentation, this is the most difficult club in the world. Winning 1-0 is not enough here. We have won 1-0 a lot this season playing well, but it’s not enough.
– “You have to win and convince with your performances. We give credit to what we are doing internally, but we now have to win this league for it to be a good season.”
– As well as Dembele, Andreas Christensen, who has not played since March, is also in the squad to face Betis following Pedri and Frenkie de Jong’s returns to action last weekend.
– Lamine Yamal, 15, is once again included in the squad, too, with Sergi Roberto the only player missing through injury.
– Betis, meanwhile, arrive at Camp Nou on the back of just one win in their last five games, a run of form which has seen them slip to sixth, six points back from the fourth and final qualifying spot for the Champions League.
