Barcelona key midfielder on track to return vs Valencia after resuming group training | OneFootball

FC Barcelona resumed training today as they began preparations for the Copa del Rey quarterfinal clash against Valencia, scheduled for Thursday.

The Blaugrana head into the game on the back of a 1-0 win over Deportivo Alaves in La Liga – a match for which they welcomed Inigo Martinez back into the squad after an injury layoff.

And, leading up to the Valencia game, they have been greeted with more good news on the fitness front, with another important player set to return.

Dani Olmo on track to come back

Indeed, according to SPORT, Dani Olmo took part in part of the training session on Tuesday under the orders of Hansi Flick, marking the beginning of the final stage of his recovery from a muscle injury.

The 26-year-old Spaniard has been out of action for the last four matches, including two La Liga games (against Valencia and Alaves) and two UEFA Champions League fixtures (against Benfica and Atalanta).

Set to return vs Valencia. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Olmo was ready to play last weekend against Alaves this past weekend, but Flick chose to err on the side of caution and not rush his return.

The Barça coach did not want to take any risks with a player who is expected to be key in the decisive part of the season.

Having now resumed training with the group under the manager’s orders, Olmo will be medically cleared in the coming days and included in the squad for Barcelona’s upcoming Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Valencia, provided there are no setbacks.

While it is likely he will not start, he will be an important option in the second half of the game at Mestalla.

This is excellent news for Barcelona’s interests in a week where they hope to secure a place in the Copa semifinals and, in addition, take advantage of the Madrid derby to close the gap in La Liga.