Barcelona face more fitness worries as new star is set to miss Champions League opener

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo | Imago

Barcelona face more fitness worries as new star is set to miss Champions League opener

Ayoola Kelechi 23:27 - 15.09.2024

The Blaugrana have been flying in LaLiga, but have now been hit by a crucial lost

LaLiga giants Barcelona's mounting injury concerns have deepened, with reports confirming that new signing Dani Olmo is expected to miss the club’s Champions League opener against Monaco.

This setback comes just as Olmo was beginning to find his rhythm with the team, having played a key role in their recent 4-0 victory over Catalan rivals Girona.

Olmo set to miss key European clash

The Spanish star, who scored one of Barcelona's goals in the emphatic derby win, was forced off the pitch just past the hour mark after going to ground off the ball, and initial medical assessments have sparked concerns about his availability for upcoming fixtures.

Dani Olmo injured against Girona | Imago
Dani Olmo injured against Girona | Imago Dani Olmo injured against Girona | Imago

According to Spanish publication Diario AS, Dani Olmo is suffering from a hamstring overload, which is expected to sideline him for seven to ten days.

This rules him out of Barcelona’s crucial Champions League opener against AS Monaco on Thursday.

Dani Olmo coming off against Girona | Imago
Dani Olmo coming off against Girona | Imago Dani Olmo coming off against Girona | Imago

The news has been confirmed by Barcelona insider Javier Miguel, who added that although there is no serious injury, the hamstring issue is severe enough to warrant caution.

Barcelona’s growing injury list

Olmo’s absence could also spill into domestic duties, as he is considered a doubt for the club's next La Liga fixture against Villarreal.

Barcelona sign Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo | @DaniOlmo7 on X

The midfielder’s setback adds to a growing list of injury concerns for Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, who will also be without Ronald Araujo, Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong.

While Olmo’s hamstring issue is not long-term, the timing is far from ideal as the club takes on the new Champions League format.

Barcelona stars Gavi and Frenkie de Jong | Imago

With key European fixtures ahead and tough domestic matches in La Liga, Barcelona will need to dig deep to maintain their momentum without their latest star signings.