Door open for Barcelona youth prodigy to start following latest injury setback

Barcelona’s fitness crisis deepened this week as Dani Olmo is set to return from international duty due to a calf injury.

Initial reports suggest that the Spanish international could be ruled out for at least three to four weeks, which puts further pressure on coach Hansi Flick.

The Barcelona coach already has Fermin Lopez and Gavi ruled out due to injuries, while Raphinha remains a doubt for the upcoming clash against Girona.

Dro could start against Girona

According to MARCA, Barcelona’s ongoing injury crisis in midfield could open the door for young Dro to potentially start against Girona.

The young midfielder has been quietly making waves within the club’s youth setup and has now caught the coach’s full attention.

As injuries continue to hit the senior squad, Dro’s readiness and maturity might earn him a rare starting opportunity at Montjuic this weekend.

Dani Olmo’s injury could pave the way for Dro to start against Girona. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Dro made his first-team debut on September 28 against Real Sociedad, starting ahead of Olmo before being taken off at the start of the second half.

Though his appearance was brief, it was an early indicator that the youngster could be ready for first-team duties.

Flick was impressed with his positional understanding and technical control, qualities that stood out during Barcelona’s pre-season tour in Asia, where he even scored against Vissel Kobe.

Now, with Olmo injured, and Fermin and Raphinha working their way back from layoffs, Dro emerges as the most natural fit for the attacking midfield role, at least for the game vs Girona right after the international break.

The youngster’s ability to connect play between the lines and his calmness in tight spaces could come in handy against the Girona defence, which is likely to defend deep and allow minimal space in the final third.