Key attacking figures could be absent as Barcelona prepare for clásico
Barcelona are facing a double blow after Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo picked up injuries while playing for Spain in October’s international break.
Forward Ferran Torres has been ruled out of Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed he picked up a muscle issue against Georgia.
The positive side is that tests showed no structural damage, meaning the forward may ultimately be passed fit to play against Girona on Saturday.
“In keeping with the policy of taking no risks and prioritising the player’s health, he has been withdrawn from the squad,” RFEF said in a statement. “FC Barcelona’s medical team has been informed of all the details.”
Olmo’s situation is more serious. The midfielder suffered a calf injury while training with Spain last week and returned to Barcelona, missing both of the team’s fixtures against Georgia and Bulgaria.
Barcelona’s statement read: “The first team player Dani Olmo has a muscle injury in his left calf, without connective tissue involvement. The recovery time will be dictated by his progress.”
Sources at the club suggest Olmo could be out for around three weeks.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will be nervous about any extended injury concerns with only two weeks until the first clásico of the season. Last season particularly showed that the high-profile clash against Real Madrid is potentially a title decider.
Flick is already without several key players, including Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, Joan Garcia, and Gavi.
