Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.
The French international pulled out of Monday's training session earlier than expected, with no explanation given at the time by head coach Quique Setien.
The 22-year old limped out of the session complaining of discomfort, but scans have revealed a "complete proximal hamstring tear in his right thigh"
Dembele's season has already been ravaged by hamstring injuries, with the last of his 5 La Liga appearances this term coming away to Leganes on November 23.
INJURY UPDATE | Tests carried out on Ousmane Dembélé today have confirmed that he has a complete proximal hamstring tear in his right thigh. In the next few hours a decision will be made on the treatment to be followed for his recovery. pic.twitter.com/fk7KgzaMC6
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 4, 2020
No timetable has been placed on Dembele's recovery, but the news of his latest set-back could scarcely have come at a worse time for Barca.
Luis Suarez was ruled out for four months in January due to a knee injury, and the club opted against signing a replacement in the January transfer window.
Barcelona abandoned a deal to sign Valencia forward Rodrigo, with reports claiming they failed to reach an economic agreement with his club.
17-year old Ansu Fati started and scored twice in their recent 2-1 win over Levante at the Camp Nou, and a lot could rest on the youngster's shoulders between now and May.
Barcelona travel to Italy later this month for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Napoli. Meanwhile, Setien's side currently sit 2nd in La Liga, 3-points adrift of leaders Real Madrid.
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