Barcelona midfielder expected to return from injury for Alaves clash | OneFootball

Barcelona lost Dani Olmo to a fresh injury last weekend, with the midfielder getting sidelined due to a calf strain, which has ruled him out of action for a period of ten days.

As such, the 26-year-old summer signing from RB Leipzig missed the UEFA Champions League encounter against SL Benfica earlier this week.

Any chances of a quick recovery and early return against Valencia on Sunday have also been ruled out, with the Spaniard not training with the rest of the team today and unlikely to do so tomorrow either.

Return likely against Alaves

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, the idea is for Olmo to make his comeback from injury early next month when Barcelona face off against Deportivo Alaves in La Liga.

Recovering from an injury. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

It is still not entirely ruled out that the Spanish international, who has six goals and three assists for the Blaugrana this season, can return in time to take on Atalanta in the Champions League next midweek.

However, it will depend on how his recovery progresses in the next few days and as things stand, the plan is for Hansi Flick to have him back next weekend against Alaves.

It makes sense for Barcelona to not take any risks with Olmo by rushing him back, considering that he has had a history of muscle problems for the majority of his career.

Moreover, Flick has plenty of options at his disposal to make up for the UEFA Euro 2024 winner’s absence, with Gavi in fine form and Pablo Torre and Fermin Lopez waiting for their chances.

Barcelona take on Valencia on Sunday (January 26), before locking horns with Atalanta next Wednesday (January 30), following which they face Alaves on February 2.