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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Corless

Barcelona handed major injury boost ahead of Manchester United fixture

Barcelona have been handed a sizeable injury boost ahead of their trip to Manchester United next week after Ousmane Dembele came through a training session on Thursday unscathed.

The French winger hasn't played since he sustained a hamstring injury during the Blaugrana's last Champions League game against Lyon on March 14.

Barca play Atletico Madrid this weekend before facing United at Old Trafford on April 10. It is not clear if Dembele will be risked against Atleti but Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo say it is unlikely.

Dembele did some light training on his own before completing a section of the group session with his teammates.

Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has hailed United for their comeback against Paris Saint-Germain ahead of next week's game.

“We saw how good they were and we know English clubs are strong at the moment,” he told GQ.

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“Man United is having good results and to score three goals in Paris was incredible. You have to respect Manchester for this comeback, for the organisation and fight in the team with so many young players."

On United's winter resurgence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Croatia international added: "You have to know your best side. And the new Man United manager seems to know that. If you have to fight a bit more or play counterattacking then you do what is best.

“A lot of teams would like to play like Barcelona and have possession. But if you have possession and you lose the game finally, then it’s for nothing and I would not be happy.”

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