Barcelona receive huge boost as tests show star player has no knee injury - Reports
Barcelona have received a boost after they received confirmation that midfielder Dani Olmo has not suffered a knee injury while on international duty with Spain. The midfielder had to come off injured as the European champions played out a goalless draw against Serbia (September 5).
Journalist Ferran Martinez has revealed from the Spanish camp that Olmo has escaped any serious damage to his knee. The 26-year-old will not, however, be in contention to play for his country in the second game of the window against Switzerland on September 8.
Spain returned to action in the UEFA Nations League as they look to defend the title they won in 2023 at the expense of Croatia. Fresh from winning Euro 2024, Luis de la Fuente's side were looking to extend their impressive run of form when they faced Serbia in Belgrade.
De La Fuente opted for a familiar XI from the start, making three changes from the side that started the final of Euro 2024. The manager handed a start to Barcelona ace Dani Olmo, who has played only two games since featuring for La Roja in the Euros.
Olmo did not manage to finish the game in Belgrade after a heavy collision in the 82nd minute left him on the deck. De la Fuente took him off afterwards, sending on striker Joselu in his place.
Barcelona star Olmo will return to the club, where he has scored two goals in two appearances this season. Hansi Flick will be pleased to hear that he escaped serious injury, having recently lost Marc Bernal and Fermin Lopez to injuries.
Barcelona youngster recovers from fitness problem to feature for reserve side
Barcelona youngster Hector Fort has recovered from a viral infection that kept him sidelined for the international break and is set to return to action. The right-back featured for the reserve side when they faced Ourense in Primera Federacion on Saturday, winning 3-0.
Still only 18, Hector Fort made his senior debut while Xavi was manager of the club, making seven league appearances in the 2023-24 season. The teenager was part of the pre-season squad under Hansi Flick, and featured in the Gamper Trophy defeat to AS Monaco.
Despite Jules Kounde being the only senior right-back at the club, the highly-rated youngster has yet to play a single minute for the side this season. He will continue playing for Barca Atletic while waiting for another opportunity to appear for the senior side.