Injury update: Barcelona winger could be ruled out for five weeks

Barcelona were handed a bitter blow during the Catalan derby against Girona on Saturday as key man Ousmane Dembele picked up a thigh injury.

The French superstar, who had been in fine form this season, had to be taken off just 25 minutes into the contest at Estadi Montilivi.

In the aftermath of the game, reports emerged that the 25-year-old winger could be out of action for around 2-4 to weeks.

But, according to a fresh update from Mundo Deportivo’s Fernando Polo, the people close to Dembele believe that the forward could be on the sidelines for as long as five weeks.

It would mean that the former Borussia Dortmund man would be ruled out for both legs of Barcelona’s UEFA Europa League playoff ties against Manchester United.

The earlier updates had suggested that Dembele would be missing the first leg on February 16 at Camp Nou, but would potentially be ready in time for the reverse fixture at Old Trafford a week later.

However, the update from Fernando Polo suggests otherwise and the Frenchman’s prolonged absence could be a huge blow for Barcelona.

Until yesterday, Dembele had not suffered a major injury since November 2021 and had managed to stay fully fit ever since Xavi Hernandez had taken over the reins of the club.

During that period, the 25-year-old had also become one of the Catalans’ most influential players, alongside the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Pedri.

The possibility of him being out on the treatment tables for as many as five weeks would certainly be a cause of concern within the Barça camp, especially at a time when fixtures are coming thick and fast.

The fans will be hoping that the club’s medical department works its magic and helps Dembele mount a quick recovery ahead of a crucial run of matches next month.