After being removed in January, the French international winger Ousmane Dembélé entered the FC Barcelona squad for the match of the 23rd date of LaLiga against Atlético de Madrid on Sunday (15:15 GMT), according to the list of players published by the Catalan club this Saturday.
Despite Barça’s offensive reinforcements in the January transfer market (Adama Traoré, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres), Xavi decided to have Dembélé back, after having urged him to “renew” his contract, which ends at end of the season, or “leave the club” culé on January 19.
According to the Spanish press, it was the Barça leaders themselves who gave Xavi the option to decide on the Frenchman’s call.
“Circumstances have meant that we haven’t found a solution with Ousmane. He’s part of the squad and we can’t shoot ourselves in the foot,” explained the Catalan coach at a press conference on Saturday.
“A month ago we had decided on one thing, but circumstances have changed,” he insisted.
“He is a player who can help us achieve the objectives of the season”, added Xavi, who confessed that he understands “the Catalan fans who are hurt by the player”, although he asked that “they come and encourage Dembélé if he has to play “.
