Dani Olmo to miss Clasico clash with Real Madrid as Barcelona learn how long injured star will be sidelined

The initial signs of discomfort date back to last Thursday and worsened on Friday. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) monitored his situation and hinted at a muscle injury, which prompted Olmo to return to Barca for further examinations. His medical tests were completed on Monday at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, and the club released a statement which read: "Dani Olmo has injured the soleus in his left leg, with no damage to connective tissue. His recovery time will depend on how the injury evolves." Although the club has not outlined any probable return date, Mundo Deportivo reports will be two to three weeks before he can return. 

Barca have a hefty list of injured players which includes Gavi, Ferran Torres, Joan Garica and now Olmo. Gavi underwent a knee surgery and is expected to be out for around four to five months. Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal, who was sidelined with an injury in his pubic area, is back in training and the club have a plan to ensure he is fit for the Clasico. Torres has an overload in the hamstring muscles of his left leg but might be available for the Clasico. Doubts had been cast over the involvement of Fermin Lopez and Raphinha, but the duo are expected to return against Girona, alongside Yamal. Goalkeeper Garcia meanwhile, will be missing the mega encounter as he recently underwent surgery and will need six weeks to recover. 

Olmo, however, will miss the Girona game along with the Champions League outing against Olympiacos and the Clasico.

Olmo will be treated over the coming weeks and Barca hope to have him back in Hansi Flick's squad for the match against Elche in November.

The last time Barca met Madrid was back in May, where the Catalans derailed Los Blancos 4-3 at Montjuic. While Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick for the visitors, Raphinha's brace coupled with Yamal and Eric Garcia's goals, helped Flick's side remain unbeaten against their rivals in the 2024-25 season. With the reigning Spanish champions sitting two points behind Madrid at this stage, Flick and his team will be looking to keep the pressure on Xabi Alonso's side in the build up to the big game.