Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has addressed the media ahead of the team's LaLiga opener against Valencia, shedding light on the status of new signing Dani Olmo and other key players.
Flick revealed that Dani Olmo, the recent €55 million acquisition from RB Leipzig, is not yet match-fit and will not be available for the upcoming game against Valencia. The coach emphasized the importance of player fitness and injury prevention, indicating that Olmo's late start to preseason training necessitates caution.
Furthermore, Barcelona faces challenges in registering new signings due to exceeding their spending cap. This situation affects players like Pau Victor and Iñigo Martínez, complicating their eligibility for the Valencia match.
Despite these obstacles, Flick expressed contentment with the current squad, highlighting the team's quality and his trust in the club's capabilities. He acknowledged the difficulties of making further signings before the transfer window closes but remains focused on preparing the existing players for upcoming fixtures.
In terms of player availability, Flick confirmed that Lamine Yamal will feature against Valencia following a family tragedy, while Pedri returns to the squad after a training comeback. However, key players like Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati, Gavi, and Ronald Araújo are sidelined with injuries, with varying timelines for their return to action.
Looking ahead, Flick expressed optimism about Pedri's impact on the team and provided insights into the recovery timelines for the injured players. While De Jong and Fati are expected back post-international break, Gavi's return remains uncertain, with a focus on his long-term well-being. Araújo, who underwent surgery for a hamstring injury, is not anticipated to return until the end of the year.
Barcelona fans await further developments as the team navigates challenges and prepares for the competitive season under Flick's guidance.
