A report has emerged that Ousmane Dembele missed Barcelona's training last Thursday because he was up all night playing video games. Contrary to this information, the 21-year-old forward initially claimed that he had a stomach issue, hence his late arrival at the club's training base. The former Borussia Dortmund starlet was subsequently omitted from the squad that featured in the 2-1 defeat to Real Betis at Camp Nou on Saturday.
However, according to Spanish publication AS, the 21-year-old rather spent last Wednesday night in the company of his friends at his home residence. Having gotten carried away by the activity, the group ostensibly lost track of time and played deep into the night. Dembele finally got some sleep but forgot to set his alarm for the following morning's training session.
While Barcelona is said to have accepted the Frenchman's illness claim in good faith following an assessment by a club doctor, the Catalans are said to be concerned with the recurring nature of his indiscipline. AS has revealed that the Blaugrana feels Dembele has a 'gaming disorder'.
Having met with ex-Dortmund star's agent to address the situation earlier in the week, the club has provided him with a driver to aid him to keep his daily routine in check. Earlier this week, head coach of the French national team Didier Deschamps cautioned Dembele with regards to the reported ill-discipline.
Addressing a news conference ahead of games against the Netherlands and Uruguay, the World Cup winner admonished the youngster to change his attitude at work if he aims to have a successful career.
"I haven't talked with the staff of Barcelona because I don't interfere in the daily business of clubs.
"It's their responsibility and it's up to them to manage their players, on and off the field.
"Ousmane has been with us for a while. That's his usual trick to be late, but in his defense, I'm sure he'll say: 'I'm not the only one.'
"Whether at a big club like Barcelona, in the French national team or elsewhere, he has to pay attention to that.
"It's part of the life and requirements of a professional footballer.
"He must improve to prevent it from becoming negative. These are situations that can be repeated. The sooner he understands that, the better for everyone."
