Dembele as Ansu Fati in Barcelona's Champions League 'final'

The head has prevailed over the heart. Despite Ansu Fati pushing to be available for Barcelona's Champions League 'final' against Bayern Munich, he has basically been ruled out of Wednesday's game in Germany. President Joan Laporta more or less confirmed as much on TV3 on Friday. "It's difficult for him to be play vs. Bayern, but it's a decision the medical team will make," he said.

Ansu was ready to take a risk but the reality it would be too much to bring him back so soon. Seeing the injury history at Barça this season, the club are not prepared to force players, especially young talent, even if the occasion may merit it.

In this sense, Ousmane Dembele's name takes on more weight. Ilias Akhomach, Ez Abde and Yusuf Demir have been Xavi Hernandez's right wingers so far, but for as well as they have done, especially Abde, the Barça coach knows that Dembele will be the attacking key in Munich.

The French forward has made three appearances this season following injury, coming off the bench in the last two games. He has not yet started but he could against Real Betis on Saturday, a dress rehearsal for Munich to see how fit he is.

Despite only playing 73 minutes this season, the sensations Dembele's transmitted on the pitch have created hope. The Dembele effect created danger. The opposition are aware of the damage he can do if left too much space, especially at the end of matches.

Barça are playing for their Champions League future against Bayern. If they don't win, their place in the last 16 will be dependent on Dynamo Kiev doing them a favour in Lisbon against Benfica. It's for that reason that Dembele's presence has been deemed so important at the Allianz Arena.