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.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
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.
“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.
