Ousmane Dembele in doubt for Barcelona-Lyon after hamstring injury

Despite another routine win for Barcelona in La Liga, questions remain over Philippe Coutinho who underwhelmed again for the Spanish giants.

Barcelona went behind early to Rayo Vallecano, but responded with three, including Lionel Messi’s goal in his 800th career game.

Ousmane Dembele is a major doubt for Barcelona’s Champions League game against Lyon after injuring his hamstring in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.

Dembele came on as a second half substitute and helped set up the the third goal as Barca restored their seven-point lead at the top of La Liga.

But the France forward ended the game in discomfort and tests have since revealed he strained his hamstring in the final minutes.

Barca have not revealed how long they expect him to be sidelined for but he’s unlikely to be fit for the round-of-16 second leg game against Lyon. The first leg ended goalless in France.

Dembele has established himself as a key player in Ernesto Valverde’s side this season after an injury-hit first campaign in Spain.

He has scored 13 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions and has relegated Philippe Coutinho to a bench role.

Coutinho, who was whistled by home supporters when he was substituted in the second half against Rayo, is most likely to step in against Lyon if Dembele doesn’t make it.

Malcom is also an option, while coach Ernesto Valverde could also choose to deploy Arturo Vidal and play with a four-man midfield.

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