Midfielder sustained an injury against Chelsea; Frenkie de Jong back in contention
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that Fermin Lopez is available again after a month on the sidelines.
Lopez has not played since suffering a muscle injury in the defeat to Chelsea, but he rejoined full training earlier this week. Flick said on Friday that the midfielder is fit again ahead of the trip to Real Betis, though he hinted the attacking midfielder might not be ready to start just yet.
“Fermin can play, I’m not sure if he’ll start, but I’m happy to have him back,” Flick said.
Lopez’s return comes after Dani Olmo sustained another injury. The Spain international is expected to miss around four weeks after dislocating his shoulder in the win over Atletico Madrid. He was also absent in October through injury.
“Dani is a good player, these things happen, we’ll have to manage it,” Flick said.
Frenkie de Jong is also in contention for the game against Betis. The Dutch midfielder missed the victory against Atletico due to a fever but has since resumed training.
Flick said De Jong “trained well and could play tomorrow”, suggesting he will be part of the squad in Seville.
