FC Barcelona lines up a unique plan for €55M versatile star's injury return

FC Barcelona's 2024/25 season has been brilliant. Unlike many would have expected, the Blauggrana club has dominated their opponents so far, leading the La Liga table and having thrashed Young Boys for their first UCL points this campaign. But, probably, their injuries have been the only aspect where improvement hasn't been this season, with the club having one of the most injury-inflicted squads in Europe this season.

FC Barcelona lines up a unique plan for €55M versatile star's injury return

However, reports sound positive that the Catalan club is expected to receive a major boost after the ongoing international break. With superstars Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, and Gavi set to be soon available for squad selection, Hansi Flick's squad could have their midfield strengthened to a completely new level. While Gavi's return date isn't confirmed yet, and Fermin Lopez is yet to clearly make his way into the starting XI, most expectations would be from Olmo on his return.

Signed from Leipzig for a hefty fee of €55 million, the Spaniard had shown glimpses of his brilliance in the initial games he featured for Barca. However, having got injured at a stage where he boasted a goal in each game he featured, Olmo's sideline has been a major setback for FC Barcelona. But, as recent reports suggest, the 26-year-old is set to return for the Blaugrana club in their upcoming fixture against Sevilla.

Given their tight schedule ahead, with them lining up against some of the best European clubs currently, reports suggest that FC Barcelona has come up with a unique plan for Olmo's return to the playing XI. As per Mundo Deportivo, Olmo would come in the last half an hour to get the required game time to regain his match rhythm and, if possible, repeat his Barca debut heroics.

Further, in Barcelona's one of the highest intensity games of this season, their UCL matchday against Bayern, Olmo is expected to feature around 45 minutes to pump in the unit's energy at the start of the 2nd half. And finally, in their upcoming fixture, El Clasico, the Spanish star would start in the playing XI, trying to fetch the maximum points for FC Barcelona.

Analyzing this plan closely, it is clear that being aligned with the way Flick has achieved brilliant results with Pedri and others could prove to be the best transition for Olmo back into the XI. Barca fans would hope that the versatile superstar starts kicking in his best level as soon as he returns, given some of the club's biggest matchday lineup ahead.