Barcelona’s pursuit of another successful season has been built around Hansi Flick’s ability to get the best out of a technically gifted squad.

The Catalans have developed an attacking identity that relies on quick combinations, intelligent movement and midfielders capable of unlocking stubborn defences.

Few fixtures test those qualities quite like El Clasico, where even the smallest selection problem can have a significant impact.

Flick must balance the demands of a fiercely contested rivalry with the physical condition of players who have already faced a demanding schedule.

Barcelona’s recent meeting with Paris Saint-Germain brought another reminder of how quickly their plans can change, with the European contest producing a costly setback alongside the defeat.

The focus now turns to how the coaching staff can reorganise their options before one of the biggest matches on the Spanish football calendar.

Barcelona suffer major injury blow ahead of El Clasico

Barcelona could be without Dani Olmo for Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid after the midfielder suffered an injury during the 4-2 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

According to AS, the Spain international is unlikely to recover in time for the showdown, although the precise nature and severity of the problem have yet to be established.

An MRI scan scheduled for Wednesday is expected to provide a clearer diagnosis and help determine how long he could be unavailable.

Dani Olmo was selected to start against PSG, with Flick preferring him to Fermin Lopez in midfield.

However, his evening ended prematurely in the 27th minute after a collision with Vitinha left him unable to continue.

The Barcelona playmaker went down and requested a substitution, with Lopez introduced in his place.

Initial reports suggest the 28-year-old may have suffered a tear in his left adductor muscle.

That diagnosis has not yet been confirmed, meaning Barcelona must wait for the medical assessment before establishing a definitive recovery schedule.

If the suspected muscle injury is verified, Olmo could reportedly face between four and five weeks on the sidelines.

Such a diagnosis would rule him out of the trip to Real Madrid and potentially a substantial portion of Barcelona’s upcoming fixtures.

Flick is unlikely to take unnecessary risks with a player whose absence could extend beyond the Clasico.

With El Clasico approaching on Sunday, the outlook is concerning for the Catalans.