Barcelona boss Xavi is reportedly open to the idea of playing Ousmane Dembele before his contract expires in the summer.
La Blaugrana attempted to force the attacker out of the club in January over his refusal to sign a new deal, but the window closed with Dembele still on the books at Camp Nou.
President Joan Laporta has insisted that Xavi will make the final call regarding Dembele's playing time but claimed it would be "difficult" for the Frenchman to force his way back into the team following Adama Traore's arrival.
However, Marca reports that the Barca boss is willing to give Dembele the chance to impress on the field in the second half of the season, with Xavi not wanting to pile the pressure on the club's new arrivals.
The report adds that Xavi is keen to avoid any discontent in the dressing room should Dembele be ostracized, and he could play a key role in helping former Borussia Dortmund teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang settle in.
Dembele has registered just one goal and two assists from 11 appearances in his injury-hit 2021-22 season, and Laporta believes that the 24-year-old could already have an agreement in place with another club ahead of his contract expiring in the summer.
Ben Knapton
