Barcelona Erupts in Fury as Dani Olmo Injury Sparks Explosive Spain Controversy
Barcelona is said to be experiencing feelings of "frustration" and "confusion" regarding Dani Olmo's latest injury, which occurred during his time with the Spanish national team.
The attacking midfielder had to pull out of Luis de la Fuente's squad on Friday after medical examinations revealed he had suffered a muscular problem. Olmo started his rehabilitation process at Spain's training facility before heading back to Barcelona.
Per AS, Barcelona had informed La Roja through a medical assessment about their player's "muscular tiredness" and "pain" upon his arrival, yet Spain chose to retain Olmo at their camp for four days rather than sending him home, unlike what the European champions did with Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen.
The Spanish publication suggests the Catalan club is unhappy with how Spain managed the circumstances, particularly given that the national team was aware Olmo "wasn't completely" healthy. The club is also said to be partially blaming Olmo for his desire to participate in training despite not being fully fit.
Growing Friction Between Spain and Barcelona
Olmo's setback occurs just one month following a public disagreement between Spain and Barcelona regarding Lamine Yamal's fitness management during the September international window. The young talent picked up a groin problem while playing for La Roja against Bulgaria and Turkey.
Hansi Flick criticized Spain's treatment of Yamal, holding the European champions responsible for exposing his player to avoidable danger that has now kept the winger out for almost 40 days in total.
"[Yamal] departed to represent Spain while experiencing discomfort and couldn't participate in training. They administered pain medication to enable him to play," Flick stated in September.
"They maintained at least a three-goal advantage in both fixtures, yet he still featured for 73 and 79 minutes. He was unable to train between the matches. That's not proper player care. I'm deeply disappointed about this."
De la Fuente rejected any accusations of mismanaging Yamal's condition and responded to Flick's remarks: "I was genuinely taken aback by [Flick's] comments because he previously coached a national team, and I thought he would understand. That's what catches me off guard, that a former coach would hold such a view. But anyway, everyone expresses their thoughts."
Now Olmo, who AS suggests could be absent for up to four weeks, becomes another casualty alongside Yamal, potentially creating additional tension between Barcelona and Spain's national squad.