'We can't shoot ourselves in the foot': Xavi explains Dembele recall

"We couldn't find a solution to Dembele's situation," Xavi said at a press conference ahead of the Atletico game, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

"The circumstances were what they were a month ago and now they are different. He's part of the club and the squad and he has a contract.

"We met with the president, the board and sporting director and we have decided that he is part of the squad and we can't shoot ourselves in the foot.

"We have to use him and he can help us. He has been a good professional and the club has taken its decision and I'll use him whenever it's convenient. He's just like any other player."

Dembele, who had previously been frozen out of the team for refusing to sign a new deal, has been recalled. He made the squad list for the upcoming Atletico clash.

Diario Sport report that the Frenchman is likely to start against Atletico. If he indeed starts, it would be his first game since the January 12 Supercopa clash against Real Madrid.

Source: Daily Mail