Barcelona Trio Hoping To Return In Time For Europa League Clash With Frankfurt [Details]

FC Barcelona's Gerard Piqué, Memphis Depay and Sergiño Dest are reportedly hoping to return just in time for the Europa League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt at Camp Nou on Thursday.

The first leg of Europa League quarters between Barcelona and Frankfurt ended in a 1-1 draw in Germany last week. Piqué, Depay and Dest did individual training Monday as the Barcelona trio returned to training following their 2-1 win over Levante.

Depay is the closest among the three to returning to full fitness ahead of the crucial game against Frankfurt, reported Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo. Even center-back Samuel Umtiti is in the last stretch of his recovery.

Meanwhile, Dest has not trained with the Barca group yet but he is getting better from his thigh injury, which he suffered in March in a Europa League game against Galatasaray, just ahead of the El Classico against Real Madrid. Barcelona would like to have Dest back for the Frankfurt game because of the absence of Dani Alves, who has not been registered in the Europa League.

"He (Dest) is close to returning. It depends on the player's feelings, we'll see. Both, he and Memphis, are close to returning to the squad. They should be back by Thursday," Xavi told reporters this week, according to Sports Mole.

However, Dest will not be in the starting lineup unless Xavi and the medical team are certain he can handle 90 minutes, according to Barca Blaugranes.

Meanwhile, Pique was forced off the field in the first half during Barcelona's trip to Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt. The Spanish defender suffered from an abductor issue. He then missed his side's next game, which was a La Lga outing against Levante. It is understood that the injury is not serious and his availability will come down mostly to pain tolerance, so Piqué will continue to get treatment until he feels comfortable enough to play.

Xavi's Barcelona are experiencing a fine run as they are unbeaten in 15 matches, across all competitions. In La Liga, the Catalans are placed second in the table and are 12 points behind leaders Real Madrid and still have a game in hand.