Spanish champions, Barcelona are worried that video gaming might ruin the career of their French starlet Ousmane Dembele after the World Cup winner missed training after following a marathon gaming session.
Dembele was subsequently dropped for Barca’s shock 4-3 home defeat to Real Betis.
While Barca coach, Ernesto Valverde called the player absence a “sporting assessment” reports in Spain are saying otherwise.
The reports believe that Barca are worried that he is addicted to gaming and it might ruin his career at the club.
Luis Suarez meanwhile have given credence to the allegations by asking the 21-year-old to be more responsible.
“Ousmane knows that football is a privilege for every player, maybe he should concentrate more and be more responsible regarding certain things,” the Uruguay striker told reporters ahead of his country’s clash with France at the Stade de France on Tuesday.
“There are examples of professionalism at Barca that he can draw inspiration from. He’ll continue to learn, with that self-confidence that will enable him to succeed at Barcelona.”