The return of Dani Olmo is a big boost for the Catalan club, who are still in the hunt for three major titles this season.
Olmo has recovered from injury ahead of schedule and has been included in Barcelona’s squad for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash against Borussia Dortmund. Coach Hansi Flick confirmed his inclusion.
After a dominant 4-0 win in the first leg last week, Barcelona have already put one foot in the semi-finals of Europe’s elite competition. The second leg will be played on Tuesday at Dortmund’s home ground.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 1 AM Bangladesh time.
Flick announced the squad on Monday, though rumors of Olmo’s possible return had already been making rounds in the media a day earlier.
Back on March 27, Olmo scored the team’s second goal from the penalty spot in the 21st minute during a 3-0 La Liga victory over Osasuna. Just six minutes later, he was forced to leave the field due to a foot injury.
After medical assessments, it was initially said that he would need three weeks to recover, ruling him out for both legs against Dortmund. But defying all expectations, the Spanish midfielder is making an early comeback.
Barcelona, who won the Spanish Super Cup in January, are chasing two more titles this season. Alongside the Champions League, they’re also leading the La Liga table and have made it to the Copa del Rey final, where they will face Real Madrid on April 26.