With their defeat to Las Palmas, FC Barcelona are only 1 point ahead of Real Madrid in La Liga, with the Merengues also having a game in hand as their match against Valencia was postponed due to severe floods in some parts of Spain.
Thus, to retain their position on the league table, it is essential that the Blaugranes do not drop any further points in the league. But this task will not be very easy, as the Catalans have two difficult matches against Mallorca and Real Betis awaiting them.
One of the reasons for the Blaugrana team’s poor performance against Las Palmas was the absence of some key players. In addition to the long-term absences of Ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Marc Bernal, Flick was also without some other important players for this game.
Casado was suspended, while Yamal came only in the second half after having missed the prior three games due to a physical issue. But the absence of Dani Olmo was surprising as he did not get on the pitch, despite being on the bench for this game.
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 26: Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona looks on prior the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
After the game, Hansi Flick hinted at a possible physical problem that kept him from playing in this game. Recently, it was revealed that the midfielder was suffering from a pubis overload.
However, Mundo Deportivo reports that Flick can breathe easy in this regard, as the Spaniard will be available to participate in the upcoming difficult match against Mallorca at the Son Moix.
In fact, the former RB Leipzig forward will be available to play this game from the very start, but ultimately it will be Flick who makes the decision on whether he should start that game.
But keeping in view the importance of the game for Barcelona, Flick will really be looking to field his strongest starting eleven, and Dani Olmo will likely start.
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GIRONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 15: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on during the LaLiga match between Girona FC and FC Barcelona at Montilivi Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Girona, Spain.
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BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 12: Andreas Christensen of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and AS Monaco at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on August 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.