Despite Real Madrid being 19 points behind leaders Barcelona, Zinedine Zidane says the La Liga title race is not finished. Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde says Philippe Coutinho and Lionel Messi can easily fit into the same team, given Coutinho's ability to play in a variety of positions. Gerard Pique reflects on his journey at Barcelona, the club's second treble and more in an extensive interview following his contract extension. From Philippe Coutinho to Alexis Sanchez, Gab Marcotti assesses the notable transfers in January and which clubs profited most.
BARCELONA -- Ousmane Dembele returned to Barcelona training on Saturday ahead of this weekend's league game against Espanyol at Cornella El Prat.
Dembele, 20, injured his hamstring in Barca's comeback win against Real Sociedad on Jan. 15 and was initially ruled out for four weeks.
However, the France international is back working with his teammates again in less than three weeks, although he will not be considered for Sunday's Catalan derby.
Ernesto Valverde will decide later in the week if he is fit enough to be included in the squad for the second leg of Barca's Copa del Rey semifinal against Valencia.
Barca then face Getafe and Eibar in La Liga before traveling to London to face Chelsea in the Champions League on Feb. 20.
Ousmane Dembele's impact for Barcelona has been limited by injury since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund.
Dembele has made just seven appearances for Barca since signing from Borussia Dortmund in August in a deal which could reach €140 million.
Making just his third appearance for the club, against Getafe in September, he ruptured a tendon in his hamstring and was ruled out for four months after surgery.
He returned to action in January but just four games later was facing another month out with a second hamstring injury. Barca insisted, though, that the two injuries were unrelated.
In the meantime, Dembele has been replaced as the club's record signing by Philippe Coutinho, whose January transfer from Liverpool could end up costing €160m.
However, Coutinho will be cup-tied for the Champions League trip to Chelsea, so having Dembele fit takes on extra significance for Valverde.
Samuel Marsden covers Barcelona for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter @SamuelMarsden.
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Source: espn.co.uk