Earlier today, the draw for the Copa del Rey semi-finals took place, and somewhat inevitably, Barcelona ended up getting drawn against arch-rivals Real Madrid.
The Blaugrana have already tasted success against their eternal rivals in a cup competition already this season, beating them in the Spanish Super Cup final to win the first trophy of the Xavi Hernandez era.
And they will have to get the better of Carlo Ancelotti’s men across two legs to progress to the finals of the Copa del Rey, where they will face either Athletic Club or CA Osasuna.
The first leg of the semi-final encounter is likely to take place on the 1st or 2nd of March at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the second leg set to be played on April 4/5 at Camp Nou.
And, according to Javi Miguel of AS, Barcelona could be boosted by the return of Ousmane Dembele for the first-leg tie at the Santiago Bernabeu in just over a month.
The 25-year-old suffered a thigh injury in Barça’s latest La Liga clash against Girona and it has been reported that he could be out for five weeks.
It means that the Frenchman is almost certain to miss both the ties against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League playoffs. And it leaves him cutting it close to the first leg of the Copa del Rey clash.
However, Javi Miguel is reporting that Dembele is not entirely ruled out of the first leg against Real Madrid. And his presence would give a major boost to Xavi & co. considering that the winger has been in fine form this season.
Indeed, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has scored eight goals and set up seven more for his teammates. If he completes his recovery and returns in time for the Real Madrid clash, Barcelona’s chances of grabbing a victory will undoubtedly be greater.