Rival watch: Barcelona playmaker a major doubt to face Real Madrid due to injury

In what could turn out to be a big boost for Real Madrid, Barcelona were dealt yet another injury blow this week as Dani Olmo will be returning from international duty owing to a fresh knock.

The Spaniard has picked up a calf injury, which could keep him out of action for the coming weeks, thus compounding Hansi Flick’s problems.

Olmo joins the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Joan Garcia on the sidelines, leaving Flick with minimal options heading into crucial games against Girona and Real Madrid.

Dani Olmo could be ruled out for Real Madrid game

According to Mundo Deportivo, the early prognosis suggests a calf muscle tear, with an estimated recovery time of around three weeks, even if the damage proves minor. This places his availability for El Clasico in serious doubt.

Olmo suffered the injury during Spain’s training session at Las Rozas earlier today. The midfielder felt sharp discomfort in his left calf, thus forcing him to withdraw from the session.

Dani Olmo is a major doubt heading into the Real Madrid game. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Qatar Airways)

Medical examinations, including an MRI, later confirmed a muscle injury, as reported by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

As a result, Olmo was immediately ruled out of Spain’s upcoming fixtures against Georgia and Bulgaria, and he will now undergo further medical tests in Barcelona on Monday.

Before facing Real Madrid, Barcelona are scheduled to play Girona in La Liga and Olympiacos in the Champions League.

Olmo’s recovery will be closely monitored by club doctors, but barring a major surprise, it appears unlikely he will be ready for either.

Other than Olmo, Barcelona’s number one Joan Garcia is also a doubt for the Real Madrid game, although their star players Fermin, Lamine, and Raphinha might just make it before the Clasico.