Barcelona will resume their La Liga campaign following the FIFA World Cup break with a derby against RCD Espanyol at Spotify Camp Nou on December 31.
Ahead of the game, manager Xavi Hernandez has recovered almost all of his players who had participated in the World Cup, with Raphinha and Memphis Depay the latest to return to training.
However, the two players who are yet to join the camp are Ousmane Dembele and Jules Kounde. The duo were in the finals of the World Cup with France where they suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina on penalties.
As per the initial plans, Dembele and Kounde are expected to be back training at Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva complex on December 28, i.e., next Wednesday, three days before the match against Espanyol.
And according to AS, Kounde and Dembele’s involvement in the Catalan derby is uncertain at this moment. This is because following their return, the French duo will only participate in just one proper group training session with the Blaugrana.
Indeed, as per Xavi’s plans, Barcelona will not be training on Thursday, December 29, meaning that Dembele and Kounde will get to participate properly in a group session on Friday, a day before the match against Espanyol.
As a result, their involvement in the game cannot be taken for granted. However, it must also be considered that the duo played regularly throughout the World Cup and have match-rhythm under their belt. So, Xavi could decide to thrust the pair into action right away.
In such a scenario, Kounde will have a greater chance of starting as Barcelona are still to recover Ronald Araujo, who is closing in on a return from his injury. Xavi does not intend to risk the Uruguayan, especially with a key match against Atletico Madrid coming up later.
Dembele could, however, be given a spot on the bench given the plethora of options at Xavi’s disposal in the attacking unit. As things stand, though, there is no guarantee that the French duo will feature when Barcelona face Espanyol.
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