Dani Olmo Drops Major Clasico Fitness Clue While Spain Boss Ignites Barcelona Rage With Explosive Remarks

Barcelona's midfield star Dani Olmo has declined to guarantee his availability for next month's El Clásico showdown, as the Catalan club finds new cause for irritation following recent statements from Spain's national team coach Luis de la Fuente.

A muscular problem was eventually considered serious enough to warrant Olmo's return to Barcelona, with Spain's football federation, the RFEF, acknowledging that Barcelona had informed them of a fitness concern when he joined the squad.

Barcelona are said to have been incensed by the choice to keep Olmo rather than release him straight away, instead bringing him into training sessions, where a short stint on the field led to the 27-year-old worsening his condition.

MARCA reports that Olmo has already returned to Barcelona for medical examinations to assess how serious his injury is. After arriving in Spain, the midfielder informed laSexta: "We'll see if I can play in the Clásico."

Barcelona are scheduled to visit the Santiago Bernabéu to take on Real Madrid on Oct. 26, leaving Olmo with only two weeks for recovery. AS indicates there are concerns he might require up to five weeks away from action before he can make his comeback.

De la Fuente Contradicts RFEF Over Olmo Claims

Relations between Barcelona and Spain have been strained since the September international break, following which Hansi Flick criticized the national squad for not adequately protecting winger Lamine Yamal. The young talent came back with a groin problem that has subsequently sidelined him for another period.

Olmo's setback has only intensified the controversy, and De la Fuente's recent comments about the midfielder haven't helped matters, as he disputed receiving any medical information from Barcelona when Olmo arrived—going against the RFEF's official statement.

"Dani arrived in excellent shape; no medical documentation was provided, and he only experienced slight discomfort," De la Fuente stated.

"He hadn't participated in training throughout the week, expecting his condition would improve, but the discomfort eventually got worse, and we chose, for his wellbeing and protection, that he should depart from camp, understanding he was unlikely to feature on Tuesday.

"Had we been confident he could return safely, as is our standard practice, he would have remained with us."