FC Barcelona’s list of players for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Benfica caused surprise when it was published on Monday afternoon on the club’s official online page and on social media.
We of course know that Dani Olmo will play no part in the fixture after he suffered a right calf strain.
Barca’s big summer signing from RB Leipzig had returned to good form after a slump at the end of 2024, which may have been influenced by his disruptions in registering to play after December 31.
Having overcome that hurdle, Olmo appeared in the final Spanish Super Cup 5-2 win over Real Madrid and as a false nine against Real Betis when the Andalusians were beaten 5-1 in the final round of the 16th. Copa del Rey.
Olmo travelled to Getafe for Saturday’s frustrating 1-1 La Liga draw, making it off the bench but picking up the mentioned injury which Barca confirmed the following day.
“Dani Olmo has an overload in the calf of his right leg. He is out for the next game and a return to the dynamic with the team will be determined according to his evolution,” correspondence on the matter in Spanish read.
Although Olmo will miss the clash against Benfica, he is also doubtful for Sunday night’s league match against Valencia.
Meanwhile, his absence has allowed Ansu Fati to return to the fold, after the number 10 was overlooked from coach Hansi Flick’s last four lists before he nevertheless arrived at LisbonArray.
Recently, during pre-match press conferences, Flick explained why Fati was snubbed at a time when the youngster and Lamine Yamal from his era were linked with a potential move to the Premier League.
“He was injured, but after his injury he didn’t show us one hundred percent. And it’s a shame for him and for us, he didn’t give it his all. He has to work like everyone else and give his best. That’s what what we want,” Flick said before the clash against Betis.
Although they are not direct positional rivals as such, despite Olmo’s ability to perform on the left wing, Fati will have to take advantage of Olmo’s absence to check and make his way into Flick’s plans.
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