Barcelona handed injury boost as key player set to return for Sevilla clash after international break - Reports
Dani Olmo will be available for Barcelona's La Liga tie against Sevilla after the international break, according to MARCA. The two teams lock horns at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 20.
Olmo had been sidelined since the league game against Girona on September 14 when he picked up a muscle discomfort. The Spaniard has subsequently missed five games for the La Liga giants so far, including their defeats against Monaco and Osasuna.
The 26-year-old arrived at Camp Nou this summer from RB Leipzig. Olmo had generated widespread interest in his services after an impressive run with the Bundesliga side. He registered 29 goals and 34 assists in 148 games for them.
The Spaniard reportedly turned down offers from multiple clubs because he wanted to return to Barcelona. Olmo is a product of the fabled La Masia but had never played for the Catalans' senior side before this season.
The La Liga giants invested heavily in his signature in the summer, with the player reportedly arriving in a €60 million deal. It has already looked like money well spent, with Olmo scoring a goal in each of his three games for the club so far.
However, just when things were beginning to look up for Barcelona, disaster struck. It was initially believed that the player's injury wasn't serious, but detailed scans soon revealed that he had injured the femoral biceps of his right thigh.
The Catalans went on to confirm that the player would spend up to five weeks on the sidelines, which was a big blow to Hansi Flick's plans. However, the Spaniard has worked hard behind the scenes and his recovery is on schedule. The international break will also work in his favor, giving him ample time to be ready for Sevilla's visit later this month.
How have Barcelona fared in Dani Olmo's absence?
It is safe to say that Barcelona have missed Dani Olmo while he was sidelined. The Spaniard is a vital cog in Hansi Flick's 4-2-3-1 system, where he operates as the attacking midfielder.
In this position, Olmo's quick thinking and eye for a pass have been crucial to the functioning of the Catalans. Under Flick's able guidance, the Spaniard has rediscovered the form that helped La Roja win Euro 2024 this summer.
The La Liga giants won all three games with Olmo this season, scoring 13 goals and conceding just two. Following his injury, Flick's team have lost two of their five games, scoring 14 goals and conceding eight. As such, the German manager will be desperate for the midfielder to regain fitness and help the team get back to their best.