Barcelona’s Dani Olmo Debut Delayed Due to Fitness Issues, Confirms Hansi Flick

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has provided an update on the status of their new signing, Dani Olmo, amid uncertainty about the club’s ability to register the £51 million ($66 million) player with La Liga. The Spanish football giant, struggling with well-documented financial challenges, has not yet been able to secure Olmo’s debut on the field.

Olmo, who was acquired from RB Leipzig and hailed as one of Spain’s Euro 2024 heroes, returned to his boyhood club, Barcelona, earlier this summer. However, he was notably absent from the squad in Barcelona’s recent 3-0 defeat to AS Monaco during the Joan Gamper Trophy match. This leaves fans questioning his availability.

As Barcelona prepared for their La Liga opener against Valencia at Mestalla, hopes were high that Olmo might finally be registered in time to play. However, Flick dashed those hopes during a pre-match press conference on Friday. He stated that Olmo would not be available—not because of registration issues, but due to his physical condition.

“Dani Olmo is not in a good enough physical condition for tomorrow,” Flick said, emphasizing the importance of player health and avoiding injuries.

He added, “We want everyone to be there and train, without getting injured.”

When asked about the ongoing registration problems, Flick chose not to elaborate. Instead, he shifted focus to the upcoming match against Valencia. He mentioned that he would have 22-23 first-team players ready for the game, but refrained from commenting further on the club’s financial or administrative struggles.

“The things we can’t change we don’t think about. There are no excuses or complaints,” Flick added, underscoring his intent to concentrate on the immediate task at hand.

In more positive news for Barcelona supporters, Flick confirmed that playmaker Pedri, who had been sidelined due to an injury sustained during international duty with Spain, would be available for the Valencia match.

“I am very happy to have Pedri again. He will be able to play the second half tomorrow,” Flick announced.

Flick also addressed the recovery progress of Gavi, another key player, who is currently recuperating from a serious ACL injury.

“He is working very well but needs time. I don’t want to put pressure on him, he’s 20 years old and we have to take care of him,” Flick said, noting that the young midfielder is receiving excellent support from his coaches.