Dembélé had already returned to the blaugrana group against Atlético Madrid two weeks ago without coming into play, then played the last twenty minutes of the derby against Espanyol Barcelona last Sunday (entered in the 72nd minute in place of Jordi Alba ).
And Thursday, for his comeback at Camp Nou against Naples in the round of 16 first leg of the Europa League (1-1), Dembélé was heavily hissed and booed by Catalan fans when he entered the game in the last half hour (65th in place of Adama Traoré).
This is the first tenure of the French winger since the semi-final lost in the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid on January 12 (2-3 ap).
On January 19, his coach Xavi told the striker to "extend" his contract, which ends on June 30, to prevent him from leaving without Barça receiving transfer compensation, or " leave the club".
And he had decided, in agreement with the management of the club, to temporarily remove him from the workforce.
But despite the offensive reinforcements recorded by Barcelona during the winter transfer window (Adama Traoré, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres), Xavi decided to give Dembélé a chance.
“Circumstances meant that we had to find a solution with Ousmane. He is part of the club and the squad. We met and we decided that he was part of the team. can't afford to shoot himself in the foot. It's a decision of the club and we'll use him when we think it's necessary. He's a player in the team like any other." Xavi on February 5.
FC Barcelona coach Xavi prepares to bring in French striker Ousmane Dembélé, during the LaLiga matchday 16 home match against Real Betis, on December 4, 2021 at Camp Nou LLUIS GENE AFP / Archives
And he praised his attitude on Thursday after the round of 16 first leg against Naples at Camp Nou.
"Ousmane was able to dribble, he was behind an action that almost ended in goal... he has character. And the whistles ended up turning into applause. I think that's what 'You have to remember,' said the Barça coach.
© 2022 AFP