Barcelona are approaching a critical stretch of their season, with fixtures piling up and the pressure to maintain momentum across multiple competitions continuing to build.
Hansi Flick has already started making adjustments as he works to mould the squad in his image, while injuries continue to test the depth of the team.
There’s growing optimism around the return of key players as they step up their recovery programmes ahead of the next round of fixtures.
Flick has also been quietly rotating younger players into first-team training, an indication that Barcelona are bracing for a busy end to the season with tight turnaround times.
One player who won’t be available to help during this period, however, is headline midfield figure Dani Olmo.
The summer signing has not featured since suffering a muscular injury in the 3-0 win over Osasuna last month – and his spell on the sidelines is set to continue.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Flick confirmed that the Spanish international would not be involved in Saturday’s La Liga clash with Leganes.
“Dani Olmo will not play tomorrow,” Flick said.
“It’s better for him to take more time and train here with the staff. \
“He won’t be available.”
This marks the fifth consecutive match that Dani Olmo will miss through injury, raising concerns over his short-term fitness and availability for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team ahead of Euro 2024.
Olmo had been enjoying a bright start to life in Catalonia after his move last summer, offering versatility and creativity in a midfield that has struggled for consistency at times this season.
With the club still competing in the Champions League and La Liga, Flick will be hoping to have Olmo back as soon as possible, but his cautious approach suggests the midfielder will not be rushed.
As Barcelona aim to finish the season strong, their ability to manage player recovery could be just as important as tactics on the pitch.
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