Diseño sin título (98)

Dani Olmo is injured

Fermin Lopez could have a golden opportunity against Benfica

Published:21/01/2025 - 10:27h

Updated:21/01/2025 - 10:28h

The Spanish attacking midfielder has barely played in the last few matches, although he is expected to get plenty of minutes against Benfica. He could even start

Calendar of FC Barcelona

Fermín López has played 135 of the 450 minutes that Barça has played this year. The Andalusian has not had much participation in the team's recent matches. The match in which he has been on the pitch the most has been against Barbastro, in which he started and finished the match on the pitch. The arrival of Dani Olmo has made his presence in the starting eleven less likely, which is logical, since last season he had hardly any competition in his position.

However, the situation has changed, since the former Leipzig player has been injured. FC Barcelona has published it on its broadcast channels, mentioning that he has an "overload in the soleus of the right leg." Despite communicating the muscular problem he suffers, the club's information note only states that he will not be available against Benfica, but the timeframe for his return has not been made public: "He is out for the next match and the return to the team dynamic will be determined based on his evolution."

This context could open up a way for Fermín to get minutes. The eleven that Hansi Flick is expected to put out at the Estádio da Luz is the star eleven, as he has almost all of his squad available. However, it remains to be seen what decision he makes regarding the attacking midfield. A priori, if the German coach wants to change his approach as little as possible, the chosen one is likely to be the one from El Campillo. Pablo Torre is also a specialist in that position. However, on the other hand, it may also be that there is a change of direction and Ferran Torres moves to the left wing, thus displacing Raphinha to the '10' position.

Whatever the case, Dani Olmo's absence gives Fermin some leeway.benf He could start against Benfica, but if he doesn't, he'll probably be one of the first changes. He's a very versatile player, who can play on the wing or more centrally. He finds it harder to play as an inside midfielder, as he has a clear offensive vocation, although he also contributes to the creation of plays. So the decision is in Flick's hands.