Olmo Injury Shakes Barcelona's Clasico Plans
10 October 2025
Injury to Olmo Shakes Barcelona's Clasico Plans
Barcelona were dealt a painful blow as Dani Olmo's injury emerged during Spain's training camp, disrupting coach Hans Flick's setup and casting doubt over the club's Clasico ambitions later this month.
Olmo has been a central figure in Barça's attack, whose movements, assists, and goal threat added a dynamic edge to the squad. The timing of the injury is acute given a packed schedule both domestically and in Europe.
The issue arose during a session in Elche as La Roja prepared to face Georgia, before the squad moved on to Valladolid to face Bulgaria.
During the workout Olmo felt a clear twinge in his left calf, the same area that had troubled him the day before, and he departed the session with visible discomfort.
Spain's medical team carried out an initial assessment and later MRI confirmed a muscle injury, ruling him out of the next two games with the national team.
Spanish FA issued a statement saying Olmo arrived at camp with mild muscle fatigue and Barça had informed the medical staff beforehand. The report noted an ongoing plan to ease the load, with a gradual return and close monitoring.
First estimates suggested a left calf issue potentially requiring around three weeks out if a tear is confirmed. Olmo will return to Barcelona for further tests at the Joan Gamper center early next week, with the club set to announce details on Monday.
Inside Barça's camp there is growing concern over his availability for the Clasico on Oct 26, though doctors have not completely ruled out a timely return.
Barça are managing a heavy run of fixtures including a league clash with Girona, then a Europa/Champions League tie with Olympiakos, before the Clasico at the Bernabéu.
BarÇA say the relationship with the Spanish FA remains normal, with Deco and Aitor Karanka coordinating a joint rehabilitation program to speed up Olmo's return while minimizing risk.
De la Fuente, Spain's coach, confirmed Olmo felt calf pain during Friday training and that the squad was cautious not to risk his fitness.
He added Olmo had started the camp in very good physical shape, but the cumulative workload of a long season possibly contributed to the setback.
The decision on Clasico participation now rests with the medical team, with Barça supporters holding out hope that the tests will give a green light in time.
Meanwhile Olmo continues rehab with the Spain medical staff and Barça's physio, and Hans Flick will monitor progress daily as he plans the road to a potential return.
In a final note, the coach emphasized Olmo's importance but underscored caution to avoid a longer lay-off, leaving fans to cling to a last-minute miracle before a marathon run of fixtures.
Punchline 1: Olmo's calf pulled a plot twist—Barça now has to improvise a new game plan, fast.
Punchline 2: If injuries were goals, Olmo would top the charts; unfortunately, it’s the calendar that keeps score.
