Barcelona have officially confirmed that Dani Olmo will be out of action for the next three weeks after sustaining an adductor injury in the recent La Liga clash against Osasuna.
The Spanish international was forced off the field in the first half, and subsequent medical tests have revealed the extent of the setback.
Club Issues Official Statement
Following medical examinations, the Catalan giants provided an update on Olmo’s condition. Barcelona’s statement read: “Tests conducted this morning have confirmed that first-team player Dani Olmo has a right adductor injury. He is expected to be out for around three weeks.”
This development is a significant blow for Barcelona, as Olmo will miss a crucial period in their season, including domestic and European fixtures.
Key Matches Olmo Will Miss
With the injury ruling him out for at least three weeks, Olmo will be absent for several pivotal matches. In La Liga, he is set to miss encounters against Girona, Real Betis, and Leganés, while his availability for the game against Celta Vigo remains uncertain.
Additionally, the 25-year-old will be unavailable for the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid and both legs of Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final tie against Borussia Dortmund.
Hansi Flick Reacts to Olmo’s Injury
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick acknowledged the difficulty of losing a key player during such an intense schedule. Speaking after the match against Osasuna, the German manager stated: “Olmo is injured. In this schedule, two weeks is a lot of games you could miss.”
Despite the setback, Flick praised his squad’s effort, highlighting the challenges they faced against Osasuna. “I’m very proud of my players. The game wasn’t the best day to play it. We paid a heavy price for it with Olmo’s injury.”
Frenkie de Jong Expected to Be Fit for Girona
While Barcelona will be without Olmo, there is positive news regarding Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder was substituted at halftime against Osasuna, raising concerns over his fitness.
However, Flick provided reassurance, indicating that De Jong’s situation is not as serious as Olmo’s. “I hope he doesn’t have anything. It’s not like Dani’s case; I hope he can play on Sunday,” Flick told reporters.
Squad Depth to Be Tested in Olmo’s Absence
Flick now faces a challenging period in managing his squad amid a congested fixture list. With Olmo sidelined, the German tactician will have to explore alternative options in midfield and attack.
Marc Casado is currently unavailable, but youngsters such as Fermin Lopez and Pablo Torre could step up to fill the void. Both players have shown promise and could be given more opportunities in the upcoming matches.
Barcelona’s Challenge Ahead
The loss of Olmo comes at a crucial juncture in Barcelona’s campaign, as they continue to fight on multiple fronts. His creativity and versatility will be missed, particularly in high-stakes encounters against Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
With three weeks on the sidelines, Barcelona will be eager to have Olmo back fully fit before the decisive stages of the season. His recovery will be closely monitored, with hopes that he can return without complications.
For now, Flick must navigate this testing period with the resources at his disposal, ensuring his squad remains competitive in the absence of one of their key players.
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