Olmo thigh tear threatens Barcelona's Clásico lineup

Dani Olmo exited Tuesday’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain clutching his thigh, casting doubt on his availability for Sunday’s La Liga clash with Real Madrid. The French club secured a 4-2 victory at Parc des Princes, but Barcelona manager Hansi Flick faces a significant squad depletion ahead of the tenth-round fixture at Camp Nou.

Injury details and medical timeline

Spanish outlet AS reported that Olmo departed the pitch visibly frustrated after being substituted by Fermin Lopez in the 27th minute. Initial assessments indicate a tear in the player’s left thigh muscle, a condition severe enough to sideline him for the upcoming Clásico and subsequent matches. Confirmation of the diagnosis awaits an MRI scan scheduled for Wednesday in Barcelona.

The report from AS noted that if the tear is verified, the recovery period could range between four and five weeks. This potential absence adds pressure to Flick’s tactical options as the team prepares for high-stakes domestic competition.

Compounding defensive setbacks

This latest injury compounds existing personnel issues for the Catalan side. Defenders Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia were already sidelined following the previous La Liga encounter against Real Betis. The accumulation of absences presents a challenging scenario for the coaching staff just days before facing their historic rivals.