Three players Hansi Flick can use to replace Barcelona midfielder after new injury blow | OneFootball

If the registration dilemma wasn’t enough, Dani Olmo’s debut season at Barcelona took a turn for the worse as he picked up a fresh injury that will keep him out for at least three weeks.

That means the former RB Leipzig playmaker will miss a few crucial matches that might define Barça’s season, including the Copa Del Rey semifinal second-leg tie against Atletico Madrid as well as the Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund.

Fortunately for coach Hansi Flick, he does have some amount of luxury in midfield, which will help him replace Olmo.

The German has three players, in particular, who can emerge as a replacement for the Spanish international.

Gavi: The perennial trump card

The obvious option Flick has at his disposal is Gavi. Flick has experimented with the Spanish international in many positions this season, without assigning him any clear role.

With Olmo unavailable, Flick could assign the third midfield role to Gavi this season, hoping he can offer the creativity and attacking essence upfront.

There is no question that Gavi’s fitness woes are behind him. But with just two goals and three assists in 1,007 minutes of football this season, this could be the right time for the Spaniard to step up.

Gavi and Fermin are options for Flick to replace Olmo. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

Fermin Lopez: Time to step up?

A more practical option for Flick could be Fermin Lopez, who has rarely disappointed this season despite his lack of game time.

Fermin has been involved in 11 goals this season in just over 1,100 minutes of action. He is also far more versatile and can offer more attacking zest in the final third.

One could, therefore, even make the case that Fermin could be a like-for-like replacement for Olmo in the number ten position. But just like Gavi, the Spaniard, too, must step up his game.

Pablo Torre: The wild card

The final option for Flick in his bid to replace Dani Olmo is Pablo Torre. Although behind Gavi and Fermin in the pecking order, Torre’s creativity and set-piece prowess make him an intriguing option.

Despite limited playing time, he has still managed to score four goals and assist three, which speaks volumes about his productivity upfront.

The youngster looked good in the 45 minutes he played vs Osasuna and could get more opportunities.