Ousmane Dembele has been left out of Barcelona's squad for their Copa del Rey last-16 tie against Athletic Club at San Mames on Thursday night.

Xavi Hernandez expects the Frenchman to leave Barcelona in January in the event that the two parties don't reach an agreement to renew Dembele's contract, which is currently set to expire next summer.

As Esport3 first reported, Barcelona made clear that Dembele would not travel to Bilbao if there was no change in his stance, and he has now officially not been included.

"The message is clear: he either renews or he looks to leave [the club]," Xavi said about the Dembele situation during Barcelona's pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

"It is not an easy or pleasant situation, but the interests of the club are paramount.

"We are in a complex, difficult situation. If he does not renew, the club must find a solution. We can't be in this situation. We have waited a long time. [Sporting director] Mateu [Alemany] has been in talks [with Dembele's agent] for five months and we can't wait any longer.

"He tells me he wants to stay. Ask him [why he hasn't renewed yet]."

Barcelona squad vs Athletic Club

𝑺𝑶𝑴-𝑯𝑰 𝑬𝑸𝑼𝑰𝑷 ! pic.twitter.com/woUkKxFefP

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 20, 2022

Goalkeepers: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Neto, Arnau Tenas.

Defenders: Sergino Dest, Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo, Dani Alves, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba, Oscar Mingueza, Alejandro Balde.

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Riqui Puig, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Nico Gonzalez, Gavi.

Forwards: Ansu Fati, Martin Braithwaite, Ferran Torres, Ferran Jutgla, Abde Ezzalzouli.