FC Barcelona will play this Sunday for the Joan Gamper Trophy against Como 1907 before facing their first commitment for LaLiga 2025/26 which will be against RCD Mallorca. However, the Catalan team faces an inconvenience, since, in addition to the absences of Marc-André ter Stegen and Robert Lewandowski, they could add Dani Olmo.
The '20', although not completely ruled out like 'MATS' and 'Lewy' for the match against the Italian team, also did not train with the group this Saturday, in addition to missing Friday's session as a precaution due to a muscle overload, according to recent reports.
It's worth remembering that, with Iñigo Martínez's departure to Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia, the rest of the squad will distribute the playing minutes, probably with two different lineups for each half, as happened in the three matches of the recent Asian tour.
Barça doesn't want to take risks with Dani Olmo
In the Catalan team, aware that Olmo is a player prone to muscle injuries, they don't want to risk the player presenting a major injury, so, if he's not fit to play the Gamper match, he won't have minutes.
Coach Hansi Flick is in favor of, if a player is not 100% physically fit, it's best not to risk making him suffer a major injury. In addition, the team's debut in the league competition will be on August 16.
It should be noted that Dani Olmo in the 2024/25 season missed around 20 matches due to physical problems. Also, the native of Tarrasa wants to earn the position in the attacking midfield as undisputed, so he doesn't want to expose himself to a more serious injury, especially considering the fierce competition for that demarcation.
Without Dani Olmo, Fermín and Gavi gain prominence for the Gamper
The scenario will not change much with respect to what was seen at the end of last season, since, in case Flick cannot have Dani Olmo, the attacking midfield position could be in the hands of Fermín López, who starts as the main candidate to occupy that demarcation.
As an alternative, the coach also contemplates Gavi, usual in more delayed functions within the center of the field, but with the necessary versatility to perform in more offensive areas; for something he was the top scorer of the tour with 3 goals.
The options for the technical director, for now, seem to be endless, because he can also count on Pedro 'Dro' Fernández for that position if he considers it so. However, it remains to be seen if Olmo is finally ruled out for the match as a precaution. The last word is with Flick.