Barcelona’s preparations for their crucial Champions League clash against Benfica have been disrupted by the news that Dani Olmo will miss the match due to a calf injury. The club confirmed the midfielder’s absence on Sunday, adding to their recent struggles in both domestic and European competitions.
Olmo’s Injury Details
Dani Olmo, who joined Barcelona from RB Leipzig in August, has been ruled out with a strain in his right soleus muscle (lower calf). The club stated in an official announcement:
“Dani Olmo has a right soleus strain. He is out for the next match, and his return will be determined by his recovery.”
The injury comes after Olmo featured as a substitute in Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Getafe on Saturday. Despite creating one chance after coming on in the 62nd minute, the Spanish international was unable to help secure a much-needed victory.
Olmo’s Impact Since Joining
Since his arrival, Olmo has been a vital addition to Barcelona’s squad. In 18 appearances across all competitions, the 25-year-old has contributed six goals and three assists, showcasing his ability to make a difference in high-stakes matches. His absence will be a significant blow as Barcelona look to solidify their position in the Champions League and regain form in LaLiga.
Registration Drama Surrounding Olmo and Pau Victor
Olmo’s availability for the season has already been a topic of contention. Both Olmo and fellow summer signing Pau Victor were initially registered for the first half of the campaign. However, Barcelona faced issues with Financial Fair Play regulations, which prevented them from registering the players for the second half of the season before the December 31 deadline.
The situation took a dramatic turn when LaLiga and the Spanish Football Federation blocked the registration. Barcelona appealed to the Spanish Government, and the National Sports Council intervened, granting provisional registration for the players until a final resolution is reached.
Barcelona’s Current Challenges
Barcelona’s struggles extend beyond Olmo’s injury. The team is third in LaLiga after failing to win any of their last three league games. In the Champions League, they sit second in their group heading into the final two matches, making the upcoming clash against Benfica pivotal.
Manager Hansi Flick will need to find solutions quickly as injuries, off-field issues, and inconsistent performances threaten to derail the club’s season. The absence of Olmo, a creative force in midfield, will undoubtedly complicate their efforts.
What’s Next for Barcelona?
Barcelona’s immediate focus is their Champions League showdown with Benfica. With Olmo sidelined, the team will rely heavily on other key players like Pedri, Gavi, and Robert Lewandowski to step up in his absence. The stakes are high, as a poor result could jeopardize their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.
Conclusion
Dani Olmo’s injury is a significant setback for Barcelona as they navigate a challenging period in their season. With crucial matches on the horizon, the team must find ways to adapt and overcome the hurdles they face both on and off the pitch. Olmo’s return will be eagerly awaited as the club seeks to regain momentum and compete for success on multiple fronts.
