Barcelona’s new signing, Dani Olmo, has been ruled out of the LaLiga opener against Valencia due to fitness concerns. This comes as a blow to the team, as the 26-year-old has only recently joined the club and is still working on his preseason preparations. Coach Hansi Flick emphasized the importance of ensuring all players are free of injuries before taking to the field, which is why Olmo’s absence is a precautionary measure at this point.
In addition to the fitness issues, there are registration challenges facing Barcelona as well. Despite Olmo’s readiness to play, his signing has not been officially registered with LaLiga yet. The club is currently grappling with financial constraints that are preventing them from inscribing the Spain international with the league. This situation is further complicated by the fact that other new arrivals, such as Pau Victor, are also in a similar position, limiting the options available to coach Flick for the opener.
Despite the setbacks, coach Flick remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. He expressed contentment with the current squad and highlighted the importance of focusing on the players available rather than the ones who are sidelined due to registration issues or injuries. Flick’s emphasis on preparation and trusting in the team’s abilities indicates a resilient mindset in the face of challenges.
The team is also dealing with several injury concerns, with key players like Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati, Gavi, and Ronald Araujo currently sidelined. The absence of these players poses a challenge for Barcelona’s starting lineup, but coach Flick remains hopeful about their eventual return. The importance of managing players’ fitness and well-being for the long term is evident in Flick’s statements about bringing them back at the right time without rushing their recovery.
Amidst the challenges, Barcelona has shown resilience and unity as a team. The support extended to Lamine Yamal, whose father was recently attacked, and the positive news regarding his recovery demonstrate the team’s solidarity in times of adversity. Additionally, the return of Pedri to the squad is seen as a significant boost, given his impact on the team’s performance. The collective spirit within the team reflects a sense of determination and perseverance in the face of obstacles.
Barcelona’s preparations for the LaLiga opener have been marred by fitness concerns, registration challenges, and injury setbacks. However, coach Flick’s positive outlook and the team’s unity signal a sense of determination and resilience as they navigate through these adversities. As the season progresses, Barcelona will need to overcome these obstacles and leverage their strengths to achieve success on the field.