Xavi confirms return of injured Barcelona stars for this weekend

The LaLiga leaders could be handed a timely boost by the start of this weekend.

Barcelona stars Ousmane Dembele and Andreas Christensen will return from injury on Saturday, according to manager Xavi Hernandez.

Dembele has sat out of the last 16 games with a hamstring injury. While the lingering effects of a muscle injury have kept Christensen sidelined for the club’s past five outings, including last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.

However, if Dembele and Christensen suffer no further problems this week, Xavi expects to welcome them back for Saturday’s home match against Real Betis.

“Dembele will return on Saturday. He’s fine, like Christensen. Both will be back on Saturday,” Xavi said in a press conference on Tuesday.

‘Tomorrow will be difficult’

Before Real Betis swing over to Camp Nou, Barcelona must visit Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday. The ninth-placed hosts have only won once in 10 games recently (D5 L4). But while their form has dwindled, Xavi expects them to provide his side with a stern test.

“I know it’s a cliche, but tomorrow’s match is very complicated, it’s a very united team,” the 43-year-old added.

“They are very intense, it will be difficult.”

Apart from Dembele and Christensen, Sergi Roberto is out of the Rayo Vallecano game with an injury as well. Barcelona will also have to make do without the suspended Sergio Busquets. They have called up 15-year-old forward Lamine Yamal once again.