The 28-year-old winger has been sidelined since mid-February following a frustrating run of setbacks. Dembele was forced off the pitch in the 27th minute during the first leg of the Champions League tie between PSG and Monaco at the Stade Louis-II.

Despite his early exit, the Parisians secured a 3-2 victory that night and eventually advanced to the next round with a 5-4 aggregate scoreline. Despite carrying a minor injury before that match, the coaching staff’s decision to start him backfired, as he suffered a more serious injury that has kept him off the pitch for several weeks.

According to Le Parisien, the French international is now ready to return to the pitch. PSG will face Monaco for the third time in a month on Friday night at the Parc des Princes. Dembele has been training at full capacity with the group and is expected to feature in the Ligue 1 encounter as he looks to regain his match fitness.

The timing could not be better for Luis Enrique, as PSG seeks to consolidate its four-point lead over second-place Lens at the top of Ligue 1.

Dembele, who has been a key figure with 11 goals in all competitions this season, is now in a position to return against seventh-place Monaco on Friday and play against Chelsea the following week.

The timing of this recovery is particularly unsettling for Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea. The Blues will face the Ligue 1 giant in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 on March 11. Dembele’s ability to turn a game with his explosive pace and unpredictable dribbling makes him a nightmare for any defense, and his return completes a fearsome attacking unit.

Chelsea’s defenders must now adjust their tactical plans to account for the Frenchman’s presence. Although the west London club has shown its defensive solidity in the domestic league, facing a reinvigorated Dembele under the Parisian lights is a daunting prospect.

Friday night’s match against Monaco will serve as the perfect dress rehearsal. If Dembele comes through the domestic encounter without issues, he will almost certainly lead the line against Chelsea. The Blues will hope to have the best possible preparation for the big European match when they face Wrexham in the FA Cup fifth round this weekend.

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