Barcelona blow as Ousmane Dembele out for up to four months after hobbling off during 2-1 victory Getafe with hamstring injury
Frenchman joined from Borussia Dortmund for £97million and was expected to replace Neymar in fearsome attack
OUSMANE DEMBELE is facing up to four months on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury, Barcelona have confirmed.
The Frenchman was making his first La Liga start for the club following his £97million move — but was forced off early.
And Barcelona have confirmed he faces a lengthy spell out.
An official statement read: "The tests have come back following first team player Ousmane Dembele has ruptured the tendon in his femoral bicep in his left thigh.
"The player will be operated on by Dr Sakari Orava in Finland this week.
"He is expected to be out for between three-and-a-half months and four months."
Dembele had made his debut in the 5-0 thrashing of Catalan rivals Espanyol and notched a late assist for Luis Suarez.
And his full debut came during the 3-0 win over Juventus, where his contribution was minimal.
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But this was his first La Liga start — and it lasted until the 29th minute when he pulled up after chasing a ball into the left-hand corner.
Dembele was clutched his hamstring and hobbled off to be replaced by Gerard Deulofeu.
He will likely miss key clash away at Atletico Madrid and at home against Sevilla — but could return in time for the Champions League trip to Juventus.
The Catalans fell a goal behind, but came back to win through Denis Suarez and Paulinho strikes.
Barcelona's start has been sensational, given the doubts coming into the campaign.
They were written off after their humbling against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup — but stormed back and have won every game since.
Yet, losing their most-expensive player ever will no doubt be a massive blow.
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