Injury Blow for Barcelona: Dani Olmo Out of Benfica Game with Calf Strain

Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has been ruled out of the team's Champions League match against Benfica due to a calf injury, the club confirmed on Sunday.

Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has been ruled out of the team's upcoming Champions League match against Benfica due to a calf injury. The 26-year-old suffered a strain to his right soleus muscle, which will keep him sidelined for the time being. Olmo has been a valuable addition to the team since joining from RB Leipzig in the close season, scoring six goals and registering three assists in 18 appearances.

MEDICAL NEWS | Barça player Dani Olmo has a right soleus strain. He is out for the next match and his return will be determined by his recovery. pic.twitter.com/E0EGJVJnXP

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 19, 2025

The injury update was confirmed by the club on Sunday, with a statement reading: “Dani Olmo has a right soleus (lower calf muscle) strain. He is out for the next match and his return will be determined by his recovery.” Olmo's absence will be felt, particularly given his impressive form this season. Barcelona are currently second in the Champions League table, having won five of their six games.

In other news, Olmo and fellow summer signing Pau Victor were initially only registered for the first half of the season due to Financial Fair Play rules. However, Barcelona were able to find a solution after being blocked by LaLiga and the Spanish Football Federation from registering the players for the second half of the campaign. The club turned to the Spanish Government, which intervened through the National Sports Council, reversing the decision and allowing Barcelona to provisionally register the players until the final resolution of the club's appeal.