FC Barcelona has been off to a wonderful start in the new La Liga season, with the club comforting at the tabletop with five consecutive wins. However, while things have worked brilliantly in Flick's era so far, the club's injury issues seem never-ending. According to recent reports, the Blaugrana club faces the unavailability of yet another heavyweight for their crucial upcoming fixtures.
FC Barcelona faces yet another setback as heavyweight star stands ruled out for 4-5 weeks
Since the summer window began, the club had been linked with Spanish star Euros 2024 Top Scorer Dani Olmo, whom they ultimately brought in for a staggering €55 million. Initially, things didn't look easy for Olmo's arrival with the growing speculations and concerns about his injury issues amidst his ongoing registration difficulties.
However, as soon as he debuted for the Catalan club, he made things look so easy for Flick's side. Scoring a winner against Rayo Vallecano, a goal in Barca's 7-0 statement win over Valladolid, and a crucial goal against Girona, the Spanish star's signing looked to be the club's best summer decision. However, who knew things were going to change this quickly?
In the 62nd minute, Dani Olmo was subbed off after he sensed some discomfort in continuing. Although initially it appeared as if the versatile star had picked up a small injury, recent reports suggest that Olmo's injury is more serious than it seemed. It is suggested that he will be out for 4-5 weeks and will miss at least six games.
This is what FC Barcelona's official statement read,
""Dani Olmo has suffered an injury to the femoral biceps of his right thigh. He will be out for an estimated 4 to 5 weeks.""FC Barcelona
While it is certain that Olmo's return isn't possible before the club's Alaves fixture on October 6, currently there are questions on his availability for Sevilla matchday and the game against Bayern. Summing up, Olmo won't be available for Barcelona in their upcoming clash against Monaco and won't be back before the October international break.
Analyzing from Barca's perspective, not only did Dani's injury come as a morale shatterer for the Blaugrana club, but rather it has raised big questions for Hansi Flick ahead of the important fixtures. In an already injury-inflicted staff, with star midfielders like De Jong, Gavi, Fermin, and Marc Bernal injured, Olmo's injury reduces Flick to very few options to fill in the lineup.
As a possible solution, the club might test out what they were doing in the initial games, with Raphinha playing Olmo's role and Ferran or Fati starting on the left wing. Moreover, the reports suggesting Fermin's early return surely feel much relieving, but certainly, it would be difficult for Flick's side to continue the same way without Olmo.