Barcelona have been handed yet another injury blow early in the 2024/25 season as new signing Dani Olmo is set to face an extended period out on the sidelines.
Olmo suffered a hamstring injury during the Catalans’ 4-1 win over Girona on Sunday and even though it was initially believed that he would be out for a short time, the situation has turned out to be worse.
Indeed, Olmo is now staring at a period of four to five weeks out of action, meaning he will miss at least the next six games that Barcelona will play before the international break in October.
Considering that the 26-year-old had been in fine form before the injury, scoring three goals i three games, Olmo’s absence will be a blow for Barcelona.
But Hansi Flick has players at his disposal, who could help him fill the gap, albeit with some slight tactical tweaks.
The best-placed player to start for Barcelona against AS Monaco this week in place of the injured Dani Olmo is Ferran Torres.
The Spaniard would be given the nod on the left flank, with Raphinha being asked to move into the central attacking midfield role much like the way Barça set up in the first two La Liga games when Olmo was yet to be registered.
A much more like-for-like replacement for Olmo would be Pablo Torre, who has not seen any action for Barcelona since the season started despite being one of the standouts during pre-season.
Flick trusts the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, though, and blocked his loan departure in the summer. With the injuries and fixture pile-up, Torre’s chance could be just around the corner.
Another player who could get a look-in in the absence of Dani Olmo would be Ansu Fati. Having returned from his injury, the 21-year-old is poised to make his return to action this week, either against Monaco or Villarreal.
While he would not be thrust into the starting XI right away, Flick could utilise him more in the games to come, especially given his versatile nature.
Fati could slot in on the left flank with Raphinha operating more centrally. Alternatively, the Spaniard could himself take up the central attacking midfield position, having played that role during his loan stint at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Pau Victor could be an alternative, although he would be needed as cover for Robert Lewandowski if Ferran is used on the left. Guille Fernandez and Unai Hernandez from the academy might also be options.
