Barcelona Star's Injury Nightmare Has Hansi Flick on Edge—Report
Barcelona are exercising extreme caution with Dani Olmo's rehabilitation following his recent shoulder operation, adopting a measured and comprehensive strategy to prevent a surgical procedure that could potentially keep the creative midfielder out of action for as long as four months.
Olmo suffered a shoulder dislocation after an awkward landing following his decisive goal in the 3–1 victory against Atlético Madrid on December 2nd. Should Barcelona's cautious treatment plan proceed successfully, the Spanish international may make his comeback in the opening weeks of 2026.
Barcelona will not accelerate Olmo's return from this latest fitness setback and he will remain unavailable until all risk of potential recurrence has been eliminated, according to Sport. The concern is that should the 27-year-old creative player require surgical intervention, he could be absent for four months, seriously threatening his participation for the remainder of the campaign and the 2026 World Cup.
Previously in 2023 while playing for RB Leipzig, Olmo experienced a comparable injury to his left collarbone, necessitating an operation that ruled him out for two months. Since the current injury affects the same region, any surgical treatment would demand an extended rehabilitation period.
Dani Olmo's Challenging Barcelona Injury Record
Olmo has found it difficult to maintain fitness since arriving at Barcelona during the summer of 2024, with his shoulder dislocation representing the fifth major injury he has endured during his 18-month tenure with the Catalan giants.
Even should the Spanish midfielder manage to return to competitive action in early January, he would have already been absent for more than 30 matches for Barcelona since joining the club and would have been unavailable for over 100 days during that period.
Physical setbacks have become closely associated with the attacking midfielder, who hasn't featured in 40 matches during a single season since the 2020–21 term.
Consequently, Olmo has found it challenging to demonstrate his peak form while regularly wearing the Blaugrana jersey. There have been glimpses of his match-winning abilities but the persistent injuries have adversely affected his displays.
Olmo possesses the ability to be a game-changer in Barça's championship ambitions and he remains an established member of the Spain squad. Therefore the club, national team and player will be hoping 2026 delivers sustained fitness given the significant challenges rapidly approaching.