Injury Update: Ousmane Dembele Recovery On Track, Will Train On Grass Next Week
When Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele pulled up with a thigh injury against Girona on January 28, it caused a lot of concern within the club’s fanbase.
The 25-year-old was going through one of his finest spells as a Barcelona player and with an important run of fixtures up ahead, his injury was seen as a major blow.
Early reports suggested that Dembele would be out of action for close to five weeks due to the injury to the rectus femoris of his left thigh.
And, now, close to two weeks after the injury, Sergi Capdevila has provided an update on the Frenchman’s recovery process.
As per the report, Dembele’s recovery process is completely on track and is going according to plans.
It is claimed that the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has been working hard and progressively to strengthen the affected area, exercising on his bike.
As per the plans, the winger is expected to step out on the grass next week and start working towards regaining full fitness. He will not be thrust into high-intensity sessions right away, but stepping onto the pitch will be seen as major progress.
Dembele himself is understood to be optimistic and lively. Despite his past injury ordeals, the 25-year-old has worked hard under the club’s new staff over the past year to improve his fitness and physical conditioning. In fact, this was his first injury since Xavi took over as manager.
In 28 matches this season, the former Borussia Dortmund ace has scored eight goals and set up seven more.
Reports suggest that he is unlikely to make it in time for the second leg of the UEFA Europa League playoffs against Manchester United.
It has been claimed that Dembele’s return is being planned for the Clasico against Real Madrid on March 19. But should his recovery keep progressing at a solid pace, he could make his comeback at an earlier date.
