Barcelona say Dembele "was a no-show due to a stomach upset"

Another twist in the Ousmane Dembele case. According to the 'La Sexta' journalist Marc Fuster and later confirmed by SPORT, the Frenchman did not show up this Sunday morning at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. The attacker was expected, as were all of his teammates, but he claimed that he was not feeling well and did not appear at the facilities.

Barça later confirmed the story in a short statement.

It must be remembered that Dembele was waiting to find out if the club's decision to leave him out of the squad, as was the case in midweek, would be maintained for this Sunday's clash in Vitoria vs. Alaves. The attacked had to go to the Ciutat Esportiva, like the rest of the squad, to find out if he was on the list or not. On Saturday, Xavi said that it was a decision that would be made on Sunday.

However, Dembele said that he was ill and did not turn up. Therefore, even if Xavi had decided to include him in the squad, he would not have been able to count on the Frenchman, who did not show. As expected, Dembele was not part of those named among the traveling part for the game, although now the question remains as to whether it was by technical decision or by obligation because the Frenchman wasn't present.

Now it will be necessary to see the reaction of the club to the absence of Dembele, if there is any reaction. What is clear is that the speculations around a supposed cold war between club and player do not stop multiplying. And even more so after this latest episode.