Dembele has been allowed to participate in Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid on Sunday – report

During Adama Traore’s presentation as a Barcelona player, there were a lot of questions directed towards president Joan Laporta, inquiring about Ousmane Dembele. Why, though?

Well, it was because the Frenchman refused to extend his contract with the club and has been dropped from the squad list for the games against Athletic Club and Deportivo Alaves.

Laporta said the decision to play him rests in the hand of Xavi, for he will not intervene in what the coach thinks is best for the club. And if Javi Miguel is to be believed, Dembele has been given the green light to play the Atletico Madrid game on Sunday.

Barcelona are stuck in 5th place in the league, a point below Atleti, and coincidentally top four. Three points in that clash could propel them to the Champions League spots. In fact, they have a game in hand over Real Betis and could be thrusted onto the podium.

Xavi has not hidden his love for Dembele’s profile as a winger, showering him with praise since day one. And thus, despite signing Ferran Torres, Adama Traore, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, it is not surprising that he wants to continue to field the World Cup winner.

Further, with a defence that has lacked both quantity and quality this season, the attack has to step up, especially in the Europa League, where Barça are one of the favourites.

All said and done, though, Dembele is bound to receive a cold reception at the Camp Nou, with an audience that does not hide their anger towards players.

Samuel Umtiti, Sergi Roberto, Andre Gomes, and Antoine Griezmann have faced the wrath of a less-than-delighted Camp in the past. Will Dembele fare any better than?