Dembele is recovering in Qatar

The femoral biceps tear the number 11 for Barca suffered in his right leg is the latest of a long list of setbacks for the Frenchman. Dembele wants to return fully fit and his teammate and fellow countryman Umtiti, who has already been to Qatar, has recommended he be treated there. 

The winger will be out for three weeks in Doha, where he will lay the foundations for his recovery. He is not expected to be given the all clear until the end of February so the player will still be out for some time. 

'AS' reveals that Dembele's trip to the Middle East will also be a way to switch off, isolate hmself and return stronger than before. His return to Barcelona, even if it is not to return to training, could be around the time of the Clasico between Barca and Real Madrid on 18th December. 

The rest of the recovery time will be in the Catalan capital, where the star has to show once and for all that he is worth what the club paid for him. The winger is hoping the new year brings about a change in fortune.