Another Blow for Hansi Flick

FC Barcelona confirmed on Monday that Dani Olmo has suffered a new muscle injury, forcing him to withdraw from the Spanish national team camp. Tests carried out at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper revealed a “muscle injury in the soleus of his left leg, with no connective damage.”

Although the club did not specify an exact recovery time, reports from Mundo Deportivo suggest that the 26-year-old will be out for two to three weeks, effectively ruling him out of the Clásico against Real Madrid on October 26 at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Ruled Out for El Clásico

Olmo first felt discomfort in his left calf during a training session with Spain in Las Rozas, and the pain worsened the following day. Initial scans by the RFEF medical staff already hinted at a muscle issue, prompting his return to Barcelona for a full evaluation.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Flick’s side, as Barcelona are entering one of the most demanding stretches of the season, with games against Girona, Olympiacos, and Real Madrid on the horizon. If recovery goes as planned, Olmo could return to action on November 2 against Elche, just before their European clash with Club Brugge.

Flick Turns to His Alternatives

While Olmo focuses on his recovery, Hansi Flick is counting on the return of Fermín López, who could step into the attacking midfield role. The German coach remains optimistic that the team’s depth will help compensate for the loss of Olmo, one of Barcelona’s key creative outlets.

The club’s medical staff, meanwhile, will monitor his progress closely to avoid any recurrence of the injury. The goal is to have him fully fit for the final stretch of 2024, when Barça will need all their firepower to keep pace in LaLiga and the Champions League.