Despite the controversy over his fate, Dembele returns to the Barcelona squad

French international Othman Dembele has returned to the Barcelona squad that will face Atletico Madrid on Sunday in the twenty-third stage of the Spanish Football League, despite the ongoing controversy over the renewal of his contract with the Catalan club.


Coach Xavi Hernandez chose to rely on the twenty-four-year-old, despite the reinforcements that the team brought in the winter transfer window with the inclusion of Adama Traore, Ferran Torres and Gabonese Pierre-Emerick, in an effort to finish the tournament in the top four qualifying for the Champions League.


Xavi had warned Dembele on January 19 that he had to "extend" his contract or "leave" the club.


But the Barcelona coach admitted that he had no choice but to call the French player, who in turn warned that he would not "give to blackmail" after he was excluded from the squad to face Athletic Bilbao in the round of 16 of the Spanish Cup, when Barcelona bid farewell to the competition by losing in extra time.


"Circumstances made it necessary for us to find a solution with Othman," Xavi said at a press conference on the eve of the upcoming confrontation with Argentinean Diego Simeone's men.


"He's part of the club and the team. We met and decided he's part of the team. We can't shoot ourselves. It's the club's decision and we'll use it when we think it's necessary. He's a player in the team like everyone else."


"A month ago we decided something, but the circumstances have changed. We did everything we could to find a solution. I understand the position of the club, the player and the fans, who can be a little disgusted," the Spanish coach continued.


"But we have to be selfish. He is a player who can help us achieve our goals. We are all in this together. Now we think that what is best for the team is that he is part of the team naturally."


Dembele's contract with Barcelona expires next summer, when he will be able to leave for free.

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