OUSMANE DEMBELE is not in Barcelona’s squad to face Manchester United.
The LaLiga side welcome United to the Nou Camp in the Europa League Round of 32 but will be without their key man.
Barca announced their 22-man squad for the clash which includes Robert Lewandowski and Red Devils transfer target Frenkie de Jong.
But Dembele is absent with a thigh injury keeping him out of action.
The winger suffered the injury against Girona at the end of January and was forced off in that game.
He is also expected to miss the return leg at Old Trafford next week in what is a big boost to Erik ten Hag’s side.
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Dembele has impressed this season and has been a key part of Barcelona’s attack with eight goals and seven assists in all competitions.
Barcelona boss Xavi has called upon Raphinha in his absence with Gavi operating at left-wing.
Despite Dembele’s quality he has not been missed with Barca winning three out of three since he was sidelined.
Wonderkid Ansu Fati or former Manchester City star Ferran Torres could also be given a chance to shine in Thursday’s clash.
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United have reportedly “been in contact” with Fati over a potential summer transfer with the youngster also interesting Arsenal and Liverpool.
And while the Red Devils will be aware of the threat posed by Barca, Xavi is concerned with the danger of Marcus Rashford.
He said in his pre-match press conference: “I fully agree with that. Rashford is one of the most dangrous players in Europe.
“He is very fast, very good at dribbling one-on-one and very dangerous in the transition.
“So we are going to have to take care against him.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
