Barcelona injury news: Catalan giants confirm fitness blow for key attacker ahead of Benfica showdown

The 26-year-old, who was recently temporarily registered by Barcelona, was a second-half substitute against Getafe, featuring for the final 30 minutes of what proved to be a 1-1 draw in Madrid.

Olmo completed the match, but an injury for last summer's arrival has now been confirmed, and he will definitely be absent for Barcelona's Champions League clash with Benfica on Tuesday night.

The forward's availability past that point is unclear at this stage, with Barcelona revealing that "his return will be determined by his recovery".

"Barca player Dani Olmo has a right soleus strain. He is out for the next match and his return will be determined by his recovery," read a statement from the Catalan giants.

Barcelona's Olmo suffers muscular injury against Getafe

Olmo made the move to Barcelona from RB Leipzig during last summer's transfer window, and he has represented the Catalan giants on 18 occasions, scoring six goals and registering three assists in the process.

The forward has one goal and one assist in four Champions League matches this term, but he will not be involved in the team's penultimate fixture in the league phase of the competition against Benfica.

Barcelona will resume their La Liga campaign against Valencia on January 26, and it remains to be seen whether Olmo is fit for that contest.

Raphinha, Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski are again expected to feature as the front four against Benfica, with Ferran Torres the attacking option in reserve.

Will Barcelona boost their attack this month?

Barcelona are currently being linked with a move for Marcus Rashford, who is set to leave Manchester United this month.

The Catalan giants are said to be in a two-way fight with Borussia Dortmund for the attacker, but the La Liga team must first make room in their budget, with Ansu Fati currently being heavily linked with a departure.

Rashford is believed to favour a move to Barcelona over any other club this month, but Dortmund are seemingly at the head of the queue, as the German outfit allegedly continue to hold discussions with the 20-time English champions.

Written by

Matt Law