With word spreading like wildfire of Ousmane Dembele’s absence from Barcelona training prior to Sunday’s match with Real Betis, the media have whipped up a tirade of rumours regarding tension at the club and Dembele’s possible departure. In an attempt to avert gossip that strays from the truth, the facts are as follows: Dembele was absent from training last Thursday, and the way in which he informed management of his inability to attend training was unsatisfactory, allegedly being in contravention of club rules. He was subsequently omitted from the squad for the Real Betis game at the weekend.
Whilst there have been rumours surrounding Dembele possibly departing the club over this dispute and possible interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, Barcelona General Sporting Manager Pep Segura refuted these claims, stating that: “There is no problem with Dembele.