Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele is reportedly expected to be unavailable for two to four weeks due to the injury that he suffered against Girona on Saturday afternoon.
The France international had to be substituted in the 26th minute of the contest, and the Catalan outfit said in a statement that he had "strained the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh".
"Test this evening on Ousmane Dembele have revealed that he has strained the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh. It means he is sidelined until the can recover from the injury," read the statement.
Barcelona have not set a timeframe for his recovery, but according to journalist Adria Albets, the attacker is facing two to four weeks on the sidelines.
After the clash with Girona, which was decided by a second-half goal from Pedri, Xavi said that Dembele's injury had 'turned the club's plans upside down'.
"Dembele is a difference-maker. I think he's injured. It's a real shame. He felt something in his quads," Xavi told reporters in his post-match press conference.
"Dembele was playing so well, giving so much for us. Let's hope his injury is the least severe possible. His injury turns our plans upside down."
The 25-year-old has been in strong form for Barcelona during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring eight goals and registering seven assists in 28 appearances in all competitions.
The Frenchman has entered the final 18 months of his contract at Camp Nou, but a recent report claimed that he is determined to sign a new long-term agreement.
Ahead of the contest with Girona, Xavi told reporters that he was hopeful of keeping Dembele at the club "for many years".
"For me he is important, he is different and fundamental. It's hard to find such decisive players in one-on-one situations. The club know that. Since we've been here he's been at an extraordinary level. I hope he stays here for many years," said the Barcelona head coach.
"We try to make sure he never gets injured. We do load control work, gym work. He has changed his mind and he is happy. He feels loved and happy and that's important. I give him confidence. I've been delighted with him since the first day."
Should Dembele be out for a month, he would be absent for Barcelona's next seven matches, including both legs of their Europa League knockout round playoff encounter with Manchester United. body check tags ::
