MX23RW : Sunday, December 22 16:21:47| >> :120:10304:10304:
[monks data]
Girona logo
La Liga | Gameweek 19
Jan 28, 2023 at 3.15pm UK
Estadi Municipal de Montilivi
Barcelona logo

Girona
0 - 1
Barcelona


Castellanos (44'), Martinez (74')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Pedri (61')
Fati (43'), Pedri (45+3'), Xavi (45+1'), Gavi (49')

Ousmane Dembele 'facing two to four weeks on sidelines with thigh injury'

Dembele 'facing two to four weeks on sidelines with thigh injury'
© Reuters
Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele could be unavailable for two to four weeks due to a thigh injury, according to a report.

Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele is reportedly expected to be unavailable for two to four weeks due to the injury that he suffered against Girona on Saturday afternoon.

The France international had to be substituted in the 26th minute of the contest, and the Catalan outfit said in a statement that he had "strained the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh".

"Test this evening on Ousmane Dembele have revealed that he has strained the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh. It means he is sidelined until the can recover from the injury," read the statement.

Barcelona have not set a timeframe for his recovery, but according to journalist Adria Albets, the attacker is facing two to four weeks on the sidelines.

After the clash with Girona, which was decided by a second-half goal from Pedri, Xavi said that Dembele's injury had 'turned the club's plans upside down'.

Real Betis's Aitor Ruibal in action with Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele on January 12, 2023© Reuters

"Dembele is a difference-maker. I think he's injured. It's a real shame. He felt something in his quads," Xavi told reporters in his post-match press conference.

"Dembele was playing so well, giving so much for us. Let's hope his injury is the least severe possible. His injury turns our plans upside down."

The 25-year-old has been in strong form for Barcelona during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring eight goals and registering seven assists in 28 appearances in all competitions.

The Frenchman has entered the final 18 months of his contract at Camp Nou, but a recent report claimed that he is determined to sign a new long-term agreement.

Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele celebrates scoring against Real Sociedad on January 25, 2023© Reuters

Ahead of the contest with Girona, Xavi told reporters that he was hopeful of keeping Dembele at the club "for many years".

"For me he is important, he is different and fundamental. It's hard to find such decisive players in one-on-one situations. The club know that. Since we've been here he's been at an extraordinary level. I hope he stays here for many years," said the Barcelona head coach.

"We try to make sure he never gets injured. We do load control work, gym work. He has changed his mind and he is happy. He feels loved and happy and that's important. I give him confidence. I've been delighted with him since the first day."

Should Dembele be out for a month, he would be absent for Barcelona's next seven matches, including both legs of their Europa League knockout round playoff encounter with Manchester United.

ID:505315:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4275:
Written by
Matt Law
No Data Analysis info

Click here for more stories about Ousmane Dembele

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Game History

How you voted: Girona vs Barcelona

Girona
8.3%
Draw
6.2%
Barcelona
85.5%
145
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pictured on January 11, 2023
Read Next:
Man City chief shoots down Guardiola to Barcelona links
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Lions
@
Bears
6pm
Browns
@
Bengals
6pm
Patriots
@
Bills
6pm
Titans
@
Colts
6pm
Giants
@
Falcons
6pm
Rams
@
Jets
6pm
Cardinals
@
Panthers
6pm
Eagles
@
Washington
9.05pm
Vikings
@
Seahawks
9.25pm
49ers
@
Dolphins
9.25pm
Jags
@
Raiders
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
2Barcelona19122551222938
3Real Madrid17114237162137
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Mallorca199371921-230
6Villarreal177642928127
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Osasuna186752327-425
10Celta Vigo187382728-124
11Real BetisBetis176652021-124
12Sevilla176471823-522
13Rayo Vallecano175661920-121
14Las PalmasLas Palmas175482227-519
15Leganes174671523-818
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1743101629-1315
19Valencia172691626-1012
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!