It is becoming increasingly unlikely that things will work out between Barcelona and Ousmane Dembele. The French attacker did not report to the Ciutat Esportiva in Barcelona on Sunday morning, while he was expected there. According to the official reading, Dembélé is struggling with stomach problems, but ASH reports that no one at Barcelona believes this story and that therefore a sanction is hanging over his head.
Last week the bomb exploded in the lingering soap around Dembélé’s contract situation. Director Mateu Alemany said on behalf of Barcelona that the Frenchman must leave this month, as he does not plan to extend his expiring contract for the time being. Dembele hit back via a statement on Instagram, stating that negotiations are still ongoing and that, as far as he is concerned, it is not the intention to make a winter transfer.
Dembele was not part of the match selection for the cup match with Athletic Club last Thursday (3-2 loss after extra time) and would normally also have been left out of Xavi’s selection for the away game against Alavés. However, all players must report to the Barcelona training complex on match day, where Xavi will announce the match selection. Dembélé, according to the reading of ASH did not show up on Sunday morning, despite possibly having to complete a training session.
When Dembélé was called by representatives from Barcelona, they were told that his absence was related to stomach problems. Barcelona subsequently communicated through the official channels that Dembélé was absent on Sunday morning due to stomach problems, but this reading would not be believed internally. Barcelona will hand out a penalty for Dembélé and the case would already be with the legal department.
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