FC Barcelona’s Champions League Squad List For Benfica Has A Surprise

FC Barcelona’s squad list for its Champions League league phase trip to Benfica on Tuesday had a surprise when it was published via the club’s official website and social media accounts on Monday afternoon.

We of course know that Dani Olmo will play no part in the fixture after he suffered a right calf strain.

Barca’s big money summer signing from RB Leipzig had returned to good form after a slump to end 2024, which could have been influenced by his problems being registered to play past December 31.

After that obstacle was cleared, Olmo featured in the 5-2 Spanish Super Cup final win versus Real Madrid and as a false nine against Real Betis as the Andalusians were soundly beaten 5-1 in the Copa del Rey last 16.

Olmo travelled to Getafe for Saturday’s frustrating 1-1 La Liga draw, making it off the bench but picking up the mentioned injury which Barca confirmed the following day.

“Dani Olmo has an overload in the calf of his right leg. He is out for the next game and a return to the dynamic with the team will be determined according to his evolution,” correspondence on the matter in Spanish read.

While Olmo will certainly miss the Benfica clash, he is also doubtful for a Sunday night league meeting with Valencia.

In the meantime, his absence has allowed Ansu Fati to return to the fold, after the number 10 was omitted from head coach Hansi Flick’s last four squad lists before him finally making one to travel to Lisbon.

In prematch press conferences as of late, Flick has explained why Fati has been snubbed at a time the youngster and Lamine Yamal of his era is being linked with a potential move to the Premier League.

“He was injured, but after the injury he didn’t show us his one hundred percent. And it’s a shame for him and for us, he did not give it his all. He has to work like everyone else and give his best, that’s what we want,” Flick said ahead of the Betis showdown.

Though they are not direct positional rivals as such despite Olmo being able to operate on the left wing, Fati needs to take advantage of Olmo’s absence to try and work his way back into Flick’s plans.