Six options for Hansi Flick to turn to following Barcelona midfielder’s injury

According to a report by Barca Universal on Wednesday October 21, 2026, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has been handed a fresh selection headache after midfielder Dani Olmo suffered an adductor tear during the team’s 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League.

According to a report from Barca Universal, the Spain international is expected to be sidelined for approximately four weeks, leaving Barcelona to find a suitable replacement during an important period of the season.

Olmo’s absence could affect Barcelona’s attacking creativity, particularly with El Clasico against Real Madrid approaching. Although Flick has several midfielders available, the injured playmaker offers qualities that are difficult to replicate.

However, Barcelona’s midfield depth means the German manager has multiple options to consider as he prepares for the upcoming fixtures.

Fermin Lopez appears well positioned to benefit from Olmo’s injury. The midfielder was already Flick’s preferred option in the attacking midfield role, and his importance to the team is expected to increase during his teammate’s absence.

Fermin brings energy, aggressive pressing, a strong work rate and a goal threat from midfield. These qualities make him an attractive option for Flick, especially in matches where Barcelona need intensity and movement around the opposition’s penalty area.

However, Fermin does not always provide the same composure and control in possession as Olmo. Flick may therefore need other players to help maintain the team’s creativity and passing rhythm.

Gavi is another player who could receive more opportunities following Olmo’s injury. Flick has demonstrated his willingness to deploy the midfielder in different positions, including as an interior midfielder, a defensive midfielder and an attacking midfielder.

Gavi came on for Pedri during Barcelona’s defeat to PSG and operated in an interior role. With Olmo unavailable, he could be considered for a more advanced position.

His pressing intensity, determination and ability to make forward runs could help Barcelona maintain their aggressive approach. Nevertheless, Flick will have to determine whether an attacking midfield role is the best way to use the youngster’s abilities.

Frenkie de Jong could also benefit from the situation, particularly after facing competition for places since returning from injury.

The Dutch international generally prefers to operate in deeper midfield positions, where he can dictate the tempo, progress the ball and help Barcelona control possession.

However, Flick has previously used him in a more advanced role, meaning Olmo’s absence could create another opportunity for the midfielder to contribute further forward.

Pedri is another option Flick could consider for the attacking midfield position. The Spain international’s vision, technical ability and understanding of the game make him an important figure in Barcelona’s possession-based approach.

Flick could also look towards Barcelona Atletic for additional options, with young midfielder Ebrima Tunkara among the players highlighted in the report.

Tunkara impressed during pre-season and has established himself as an important member of the reserve team. His physical attributes, dynamism and willingness to make forward runs could offer Barcelona a different profile in midfield.

Orian Goren is another reserve-team midfielder who could enter Flick’s considerations.

Like Tunkara, Goren reportedly impressed the Barcelona manager during pre-season. However, his playing style offers some differences, as he is more involved in the build-up and capable of taking on opponents in one-on-one situations.

These qualities could make him an alternative if Flick wants a midfielder who can help connect Barcelona’s defensive and attacking phases while contributing to their possession game.

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