Barça coach Ronald Koeman's message for Dembele at Balaídos

One of the talking points of Barcelona's 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on Thursday was Ousmane Dembele's absence. The Frenchman was on the bench but did not come on as Ronald Koeman's side won 3-0 in Balaidos. 

Koeman turned to youngsters Pedri and Trincao ahead of Dembele when it came to making his changes. The Dutch coach also brought on Ronald Koeman in the first half when Clement Lenglet was sent off, sacrificing Antoine Griezmann in the process. 

In the second half, when the team was tired, Koeman decided to bring on fresh legs. That was when he introduced Pedri and Trincao, taking off Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati. 

With that decision, he condemned Dembele to a night on the bench, where he was able to watch his teammates make it two wins from two in La Liga. 

After the game, Koeman said he brought on the two youngsters because the "contribute more defensively" than Dembele. 

Dembele's absence could also be related to the club not wanting him to get injured before a possible move this week with the transfer window closing on Monday. 

Barça and Manchester United have spoken about a possible transfer. The English club have monitored the situation all summer, with Dembele as a backup to first-choice Jadon Sancho. 

United have so far only suggested a loan but Barça would be open to a deal if a fee north of 50 million were to be placed on the table in the coming days. 

In the meantime, Dembele's due back in for training on Friday afternoon as Barça prepare for Sunday's game against Sevilla at Camp Nou.