Iñigo Martínez and Dani Olmo: updates on their recoveries

Iñigo Martínez brought good news to the FC Barcelona coaching staff during Thursday's morning training. The center-back, out due to a tear in the biceps femoris of his right thigh suffered on January 12 against Real Madrid, returned to work with the rest of the squad and could receive medical clearance for Sunday’s match against Alavés in Montjuïc (14:00 CEST). Initially, the Basque player was expected to be out for three to four weeks, but he has progressed satisfactorily from his muscle injury.

Although it is unlikely that Hansi Flick will take a risk with the '5' against Alavés, all signs point to his return being imminent, as he trained normally in Thursday's session. In that sense, the Ondarroa native hopes to be available on Thursday against Valencia. In contrast, Dani Olmo continues to be sidelined and, along with Andreas Christensen, is expected to remain in the infirmary for several more days.

Dani Olmo, ruled out for Barça-Alavés

And indeed, the player from Terrassa is still dealing with discomfort in the soleus of his right leg and his return remains uncertain. What is certain is that the attacking midfielder will not be included in the squad for the match against Alavés. However, there is still hope to have him available next Thursday for the visit to Mestalla, for the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey (21:30 CEST).

Dani has not played since January 18 against Getafe (1-1), a match where he came on with 28 minutes left. Previously, he had played the full 90 minutes in the Cup against Betis (5-1) and another half hour in the Supercopa de España final, a match where Iñigo got injured. For Hansi Flick, recovering both players will be a great help in managing the minutes within the squad.

In the case of the midfielder, it is crucial that he can return to playing regularly, as in January he was out for two weeks due to issues with his registration. So far, Olmo has accumulated 962 minutes of action spread over 18 appearances, with 6 goals and 3 assists. Martínez, on the other hand, was one of Flick's 'untouchables' until his injury in the Clásico in Arabia, with 2,316 minutes in 27 matches where he contributed a couple of goals and assists.