In an untimely setback for FC Barcelona, midfielder Dani Olmo is expected to be sidelined for approximately three weeks after sustaining a muscle injury while on international duty with Spain, casting significant doubt on his availability for the first El Clásico of the season.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed the injury on Friday, stating that Olmo would return to his club and miss Spain’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria.
According to the federation’s statement, the player arrived at the national team camp with “signs of muscle fatigue,” which had been previously reported by Barcelona.
The incident has sparked discontent within Barcelona, as club officials are reportedly frustrated with the national team’s handling of the situation .
Catalan radio reports indicate that Barcelona had provided the RFEF with a detailed report on Olmo’s fatigued condition, and club officials “do not understand how this report was ignored” .
This event marks the second consecutive month that a Barcelona player has been injured with the Spanish national team, following a previous controversy over the handling of teenager Lamine Yamal’s fitness in September, which has already strained relations between the club and the national setup .
Olmo’s setback compounds a growing injury crisis for Barcelona coach Hansi Flick .
The team is already managing without several key players, including the long-term absentees Gavi and Marc-André ter Stegen, as well as Raphinha and Lamine Yamal .
With crucial fixtures against Girona, Olympiacos, and the pivotal league clash against Real Madrid on the horizon, Olmo’s potential absence could not come at a worse time.
Barcelona, currently trailing Real Madrid by three points in La Liga, will be hopeful for a positive update after the 27-year-old undergoes further evaluation at the club’s facilities .
