Barcelona will recover key player for Copa del Rey clash against Valencia – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona enjoyed the perfect weekend as they capitalised on Real Madrid’s slip-up in La Liga to close the gap at the top to just four points.

Now, though, the focus shifts to Copa del Rey as Hansi Flick & co. get set to take on Valencia in the quarterfinals of the competition later this week.

Dani Olmo set to return

As Barcelona gear up to face Carlos Corberan’s Valencia outfit for the second time in under two weeks, they are set for a welcome boost on the fitness front.

Indeed, according to journalist Helena Condis, the Blaugrana will welcome key midfielder Dani Olmo back to the squad list for their trip to the Mestalla this week.

Olmo, 26, has been out for more than three weeks now due to a calf muscle problem. While it was initially expected that he could be back in time to face either Atalanta or Alaves, Flick & co. have opted to not take any risks with him.

Time for Olmo’s return. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The stance from the club’s coaching staff and medical department is understandable considering the Spanish international’s past history of muscle injury issues.

However, having spent more than three weeks out, Olmo is now expected to receive his medical green light and return to the squad when Barcelona take on Valencia in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.

Having returned to his boyhood club a decade after leaving La Masia, Olmo has featured in 18 matches this season, racking up six goals and three assists.

With Gavi getting concussed on Sunday against Alaves, the No. 10 slot could be up for grabs come the Valencia clash. And it will be interesting to see if Flick thrusts Olmo right into the starting XI in the cup tie or opts for Fermin Lopez or Pablo Torre instead.