Hansi Flick Finds Silver Lining as Two Barcelona Stars Return Despite Pedri Setback
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has announced that Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have recovered from their injuries in time for the Catalans' upcoming match against Elche.
The duo has been sidelined since the October international break. Lewandowski picked up a hamstring problem during his duties with Poland, while Olmo sustained a calf injury during Spain's training sessions.
Barcelona have missed both key players for their previous three fixtures against Girona, Olympiacos and Real Madrid, but Lewandowski and Olmo are now ready for selection against Elche, news that Flick described as "excellent for us" before the La Liga encounter.
Trailing Real Madrid by five points, Barcelona desperately need Olmo's creative abilities and Lewandowski's sharp finishing. However, the German tactician remains cautious and doesn't want to hurry his two stars back too hastily.
"We'll assess how Lewy and Olmo perform [against Elche], and then we'll make decisions for the upcoming fixtures," Flick stated during his pre-match media briefing.
The reigning Spanish champions will welcome any contribution from Lewandowski and Olmo given their current injury crisis. Pedri has become the most recent casualty, adding to the treatment room alongside Raphinha, Joan García, Marc-André ter Stegen, Gavi and Andreas Christensen.
Flick Gives Updates on Lamine Yamal, Joan Garcia Fitness
Alongside Olmo and Lewandowski, García has also rejoined training sessions before Sunday's fixture at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. However, Flick confirmed the keeper isn't quite ready for match action.
"We're monitoring his progress daily. [García's] participating in training and performing excellently, he appears in good shape. He's moving in the right direction, but we shouldn't rush him, and we need to maintain this approach."
The Barcelona manager also addressed Lamine Yamal's persistent groin problem following recent speculation that the youngster may require surgical intervention to resolve the matter.
"There's constant discussion about [Yamal] each week," Flick commented. "I've had conversations with him. Occasionally he experiences some discomfort and pain. He's working diligently and has shown improvement. His recovery is progressing positively.
"We've encountered several injuries that we must accept. It's November and we still have a lengthy season ahead."
Barcelona will be determined to return to form following their 2–1 loss to Real Madrid in this season's opening Clásico. Following their home match with Elche, the Catalans face consecutive away games against Club Brugge and Celta Vigo before the November international window.