Prior to the preparation of their forthcoming clash against Real Madrid on March 19, Barcelona must make a vital decision.
Ousmane Dembele, one of the team’s key players, is believed to make his way back onto the field after suffering a thigh injury at the end of January.
According to SPORT, there is a setback to granting Dembele a medical pass before El Clasico. This is due to the forward’s potential for being included by Didier Deschamps in his France national squad.
The French national team coach wants to include Dembele in the squad ahead of their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying rounds against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland, as he is reportedly aware of his recovery process.
Given the attacker’s history of injuries, a potential relapse could result from Dembele’s early return. But if Barcelona refuses to give Dembele the medical approval to play in the Clasico, he won’t be called up to the French national squad.
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Deschamps will be closely monitoring this scenario as well because he has to release his shortlist right before the Clasico.
Dembele would have at least three more weeks to improve his recovery if both sides consent to delay his arrival on the playing field. In that scenario, on April 1, he would return to playing action when Barcelona visit Elche.
However, Barça will be concentrating on the imminent league clash against Athletic Bilbao. Dembele may not be fit just yet, but the return of Polish striker Robert Lewandowski will benefit the Catalan club in this important match.
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