OUSMANE DEMBELE’S long-awaited Barcelona return is imminent with reports suggesting he could be on the bench for the Copa del Rey clash with Celta Vigo.
The French starlet moved to the Nou Camp as a replacement for a Neymar, in a deal which could be worth up to £138million.
But he suffered a serious hamstring injury just three games later and has spent the past four months on the sidelines.
AS report he has travelled with the squad for their last-16 clash and is likely to start on the bench.
The report also highlights Dembele‘s determination to get back to fitness by revealing he rejected the opportunity to have more days off over Christmas in favour of extra training.
The former Borussia Dortmund man, 20, joined a side which looked to be on the wane in the summer following the departure of Neymar.
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He made his debut during the 5-0 demolition of Espanyol — and contributed an assist — before making his first start in the 3-0 victory over Juventus in the Champions League.
But, in the very next match, against Getafe, he lasted just 29 minutes after injuring his hamstring.
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Dembele will now return to a side full of confidence following Barcelona‘s 3-0 victory at the Bernabeu.
And his return will be a very welcome as Ernesto Valverde’s team are still fighting on three fronts.
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