Barcelona handed huge injury boost as 4 players set to return for Sevilla clash: Reports
Barcelona have received a major injury boost as the quartet of Gavi, Dani Olmo, Wojciech Szczesny, and Fermin Lopez are set to return against Sevilla. The La Liga leaders have struggled with player availability at the start of the 2024-25 season, with several key players missing the opening games.
Hansi Flick has yet to have a full squad available to him since taking over from Xavi in the summer. The German tactician has, however, managed to lead his side to the summit of La Liga after nine rounds of matches, with his side three points clear of rivals Real Madrid.
Star midfielder Gavi suffered a ruptured ACL early in the 2023-24 season and has been in team training since September. The youngster is set to make his return to the Matchday squad for La Blaugrana when they face Sevilla after the international break, as per Barca Universal.
Summer signing Dani Olmo scored in each of his three appearances for the club after joining from RB Leipzig for €60 million. The midfielder picked up an injury in the 4-1 win over Girona in September, and is expected to also return against Sevilla.
Academy graduate Fermin Lopez is also set to bolster his side's attacking midfield options when he returns for the game against Sevilla. The Spanish international has been out injured since September, as well.
Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny joined the club as a free agent after the season-ending injury to goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. The former Juventus man is out of shape, but the club expects the two-week international break to give him ample time to find his best form.
Robert Lewandowski nets hattrick in Barcelona's win over Alaves
Robert Lewandowski has continued his fine start to life under Hansi Flick at Barcelona by scoring thrice as his side defeated Alaves 3-0. La Blaugrana moved up to 24 points from their first nine league games after the win, their eighth of the campaign.
Barcelona bounced back emphatically from losing 4-2 to Osasuna in their last league game following heavy rotation. Raphinha and Lewandowski were pivotal, with the former recording two assists as Inaki Pena kept a clean sheet in the game.
Lewandowski took just seven minutes to open the scoring for Flick's side before adding a second 15 minutes later. The 36-year-old striker completed his treble in the 32nd minute to take his tally for the season to 10 goals and two assists in nine league matches.