Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has been confident about the transfer situation at the club, which remains uncertain, with Dani Olmo set to miss his league debut against Valencia at the Mestalla. By all accounts, Flick will miss others due to his inability to register with the League as well.
One of the first questions that was asked was about Olmo, and if he or others like Pau Victor would be available.
“Now we have 22-23 players and we will see tomorrow. Now everyone is in the team and they are an option to play tomorrow. Dani Olmo is also not an option for tomorrow, because he arrived very late in the pre-season and has few training sessions training. First he has to train to be able to help, for us it is very important, that we take care of the players, and it is important that they play without injuries.
Flick also revealed that Pedri could be back from injury. The Spanish midfielder was injured at Euro 2024, and was expected to be out for at least another week. After training without problems for the last two days, however, he will be in the team.
“We are happy to see him evolve every day, but it is not the right time to decide that he can play. He is a special player, who changes the whole team, he is perhaps an option for tomorrow in the second half. We do not want pressure on him, but he will be in the team.”
Flick: “We are focusing on tomorrow's game, we want to play a big game. Tomorrow morning the list of those called will be official.”
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 16, 2024
In the rest of his transfer window, Flick did not reveal much more, instead pointing to his extensive injury list, which includes Ronald Araujo, Gavi, Ansu Fati and Frenkie de Jong. He confirmed that Lamine Yamal can play, after suffering a shock when his father was stabbed this week.
“I am optimistic, but there is still time. We have more players available in the team and I hope they can return, but I do not have a set date for their return. Their recovery is on the right track.”
“I'm really happy with the players I have. When I signed my contract, I knew it wouldn't be easy, but when you see all the players we have injured, I'm looking forward to their return.”
It looks like Flick will give away little with his press conferences. The German answered all his questions in English, through a translator where necessary, and it was to say the least.
If Pedri is back and fully fit, it will be a major boost for Flick and Barcelona. Currently only Ilkay Gundogan is suitable as a senior central midfielder apart from Pedri, although Andrewas Christensen can be used there, and youngster Marc Casado probably will be.
