Barcelona Rapid recovery puts Frenchman in frame for early return

Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele could be fit for next month's Clasico against Real Madrid after making a faster than expected recovery from a serious injury picked up in September while playing Getafe.

The injury, which required surgery, was forecast to take three-and-a-half months to recuperate from, making it January before he could be available for selection.

However the Frenchman is on course for an early return which poses the question - should he be risked before his new year comeback?

With a match on December 23 against Los Blancos looming, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde may think twice about delaying his return.

But it will be vital the former Borussia Dortmund striker is in peak condition for the second half of the season.

In a sporting context, there is, actually, no urgency for him to return as Barcelona are leading LaLiga and the Christmas Clasico is looking as if it won't be as important as in previous years.