Barcelona, April 15, 2025 – FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick received a major boost ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund, as Spanish international Dani Olmo has returned to the squad following injury.
Olmo’s comeback comes at a pivotal moment as Barcelona seeks to secure their place in the semifinals after a dominant 4-0 victory in the first leg at home.
The midfielder had been sidelined since March 27 after sustaining a groin injury during Barcelona’s La Liga victory over Osasuna. His absence was felt during a demanding stretch of fixtures, but his return adds creativity and energy to Flick’s midfield options as the team prepares for the high-stakes second leg in Germany.
Barcelona’s fixture list remains packed, and Olmo’s return couldn’t come at a better time. With the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey campaigns all reaching their critical phases, Flick will welcome the additional depth and experience that Olmo brings.
However, it’s not all positive news for the Blaugrana. The team has been dealt a blow with the injury of young left-back Alejandro Balde, who suffered a hamstring issue during the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 away win against Leganés. The 20-year-old, a regular presence in Barcelona’s defensive line, is expected to be out for approximately three weeks.
This timeline not only rules him out of the second leg in Dortmund but also casts serious doubt over his availability for the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on April 26. In his absence, Gerard Martin, who stepped in during the Leganés match, is likely to feature more prominently.
Despite Balde’s injury setback, optimism remains high in the Barcelona camp. The commanding first-leg result puts them in a strong position to advance to the semifinals, and Olmo’s return could further strengthen their charge for European glory.
Coach Hansi Flick now faces the challenge of rotating his squad wisely as the club chases silverware on multiple fronts. With Olmo back and Barcelona in fine form, fans have every reason to believe in a deep run across all competitions.