Barcelona Release Squad to Face Manchester United, Two Big Names Missing

• Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets sustained injuries earlier this month
• The Barcelona duo are set to be sidelined for at least three weeks
• They will not feature in Barcelona's Europa League tie against Manchester United

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has announced the squad list for their Europa League encounter against Premier League giants Manchester United.

The Catalan giants will play host to the Red Devils in the first leg at Camp Nou on Thursday, February 16.

Both Barca and United have engraved their names on the Champions League folklore, but their latest clash over two legs will be their first in Europe's secondary club competition.

According to Football Espana, neither Ousmane Dembele nor Sergio Busquets made the cut for the first leg after they both picked up injuries in early February.

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Otherwise, Xavi Hernandez has the rest of his side available, but has called up youngsters Marc Casado (midfielder) and Angel Alarcon (forward) to add extra depth to the side.

Raphinha will likely start on the right side of attack in Dembele’s absence. The Brazilian has been in mixed form of late, scoring twice and assisting once in his last three games, but also giving the ball away often.

Xavi has been opting for a four-man midfield lately, and against the Yellow Submarine he kept that structure in place, putting Franck Kessie in for Sergio Busquets.

Dembele in top form

Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele has experienced a rebirth at Barcelona, winning the hearts of fans and management alike at Camp Nou after a tough first few seasons.

The 25-year-old was instrumental in helping Barcelona secure a Copa del Rey semi-final spot after netting the sole goal in the 1-0 victory against Real Sociedad on Wednesday, January 25.

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Barcelona manager, Xavi is delighted with Dembele’s progress so far and has described the French forward as lethal and one of the best footballers in the world currently, Goal reports.

Fans hail Barcelona winger Dembele

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Barcelona fans have a new superstar, and his name is Ousmane Dembele.

The 25-year-old French winger has indeed become the toast of Barcelona supporters this season following his scintillating performances for the Catalan giants.

On Wednesday, January 25, Dembele was again the star man for Xavi’s men as they secured a spot in the Copa del Rey semi-final following a 1-0 win against Real Sociedad.