Barcelona have confirmed that record summer signing Ousmane Demebele has made a full recovery from the thigh injury that has kept him sidelined for almost four months.
Dembele, who moved to the Nou Camp from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of £96.8million, ruptured a tendon in his left thigh during Barca’s 2-1 victory over Getafe in September on his La Liga debut.
The Frenchman had only made four appearances in all competitions prior to sustaining the injury and was forced to miss the El Clasico against arch-rivals Real Madrid just before Christmas.
But Dembele is now ready to make his long-awaited return in the New Year after the club officially declared him fit to play.
In a short statement the club wrote on their official website:
‘Despite the need for an operation in Finland, Dembele quickly started his recovery process and has now been discharged by the club’s Medical Services.
‘The 20-year-old is fit to play again after three-and-a-half months out with the injury.
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Dembele has been made available for selection for Barca’s Copa del Rey clash with Celta Vigo on Thursday but boss Ernesto Valverde will be reluctant to start him after such a long lay-off.
His return will give Valverde’s attacking force a boost as they look to continue their surge to the La Liga title.
Despite this, Barca are still hopeful of luring forward Philippe Coutinho to the Nou Camp in the January transfer window after failing to land the Brazilian in the summer.
Reports in Spain have suggested Coutinho has played his last game for Liverpool but in order to prize him away they must break the British transfer record by paying £133m for him.
If they fail to secure his signature again Barca could become heavily reliant on Dembele with only Denis Suarez and Gerard Deulofeu to provide cover.
Valverde will be hoping the youngster can get back to his best after the spell out and will need him to stay fit for the remainder of the season with still three competitions to play for.
