Dembele adds to Barça's attacking woes ahead of Betis game

Barcelona, Aug 20 (IANS) Barcelona on Tuesday continued its preparations for the upcoming La Liga match against Real Betis while struggling with injury woes in the front line.

Ousmane Dembele was the latest to join the injured list with a left hamstring strain that will keep him on the sidelines for five weeks.

The injury to the French international will have grave consequences since the player did not undergo the preventive test the club set for players who started to feel discomfort, reports Efe news.

The 22-year-old, who has had five injuries since joining Barcelona, seemed to have planned a trip to Senegal over the weekend.

On Monday, he took part in a training session and he felt the discomfort at some point, as per the AS website.

Having undergone tests, Dembélé was diagnosed with a left hamstring strain.

Besides Dembele, Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez will be on the sidelines during the Real Betis game, as he revealed after a private trip during the weekend.

Argentine star Lionel Messi is a doubt for the game due to physical issues that prevented him from taking part in the Athletic game.

Coach Ernesto Valverde could rely on newcomer Antoine Griezmann as the team's striker.