‘He makes the opposing defense feel fear’: Barcelona hopes Ousmane Dembele’s imminent return from a thigh injury will end Robert Lewandowski’s goal drought after the Pole went three games without scoring
- Analysts point to Dembele’s absence as a contributing factor
- Until Dembele was injured, Lewandowski had scored 22 goals
- Dembele has returned to group training and is eligible for Atletico
Barcelona hopes Ousmane Dembele’s imminent return could end Robert Lewandowski’s goal drought.
The prolific Pole’s form is a hot topic in La Liga after going three games without a goal and, unusually for him, scoring just two goals in his last nine for club and country.
Analysts at Barca have pointed to Dembele’s absence as a contributing factor, as the French winger had built up a bond with Lewandowski early in the season.
Until Dembele suffered a thigh injury in January, Lewandowski had scored 22 goals for Barca in 23 games – an impressive 0.96 goals per game ratio – but he has since scored just five in 13 games.
Dembele returned to group training this week and is eligible for Sunday’s game against Atletico Madrid, as Barcelona coach Xavi puts pressure on his team to clinch the league title in style.
Barça hope Ousmane Dembele’s return could end Robert Lewandowski’s goalscoring drought
The prolific Pole’s form is a hot topic in La Liga after going three games without a goal
If Dembele fails to make it to the game, he will face Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old France international has paired well with Lewandowski this season, creating the most goal-producing combinations, and Xavi is counting on the two to pick up where they left off.
While Barca are 11 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid with nine games remaining, Xavi has spoken to his players this week about the importance of a strong finish to the season and sees Dembele as key to this.
Referring to Dembele’s importance before Barca’s recent draw with Getafe, Xavi said: “We miss the players who are absent and of course we miss Ousmane. He is an important player who scares the opposition’s defence.”
Manchester United are also targeting Frenkie de Jong and Pedri this week to bolster their options.
Dembele attracted interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris St Germain last year before opting to sign a new contract with Barcelona that runs until 2024.
Xavi had urged the club to keep him after the French flyer was courted, particularly by PSG, and the decision paid off with Dembele rekindling his best form.
Although Barcelona are looking to sell part of their squad this summer, Xavi’s relationship with Dembele is strong and the club is expected to begin talks over a new deal in the coming weeks.
Xavi talked about the importance of finishing the season strong and sees Dembele as key