Dani Olmo to start for Barcelona against Athletic Club in Camp Nou debut

By SABC Sport
22nd November 2025

Dani Olmo is set to take centre stage as Barcelona prepare for their long-awaited return to the rebuilt Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, with Hansi Flick confirming that the Spain international will play a key role in a midfield reshuffle.

The Barcelona coach has admitted that his plans have been disrupted by a shortage of available midfielders ahead of the meeting with Athletic Club.

Frenkie de Jong, one of the pillars of Flick's double pivot, will miss the match after receiving two yellow cards against Celta Vigo. His absence comes just as Pedri remains short of full fitness, with Barcelona's medical team insisting they "will not take any risks" as the season enters a demanding stretch.

With two important players sidelined, Flick's options in the centre of the pitch have narrowed considerably. Marc Casado and Fermin Lopez are the only natural midfielders fully ready to step into the starting XI, but the situation has created a significant opportunity for Olmo to make his Barcelona debut at Camp Nou.

Olmo arrives in strong form, having scored for Spain against Turkey during the international break. His history of impactful debuts adds further intrigue. He struck on his first appearance at Montjuic against Real Valladolid and provided an assist on his maiden outing at the Johan Cruyff Stadium against Valencia.

Since returning to Barcelona, he has produced eight goals and six assists across 22 home matches at Montjuic and the Johan Cruyff Stadium, averaging a goal involvement every 82 minutes from only 1,159 minutes played. Those numbers have placed even more focus on him ahead of this emotional return to Camp Nou.

Flick has already used Olmo once in the deeper double-pivot role, and all signs suggest he will repeat that approach. Casado is expected to operate as the more traditional midfielder, while Olmo will offer creativity and movement in a role suited to his intelligence on the ball.

Flick said the squad "needs to adapt quickly" and called the situation "a test of character", but he assured supporters that the team are ready to respond. As excitement builds around the first match back at Camp Nou, all eyes are now on Olmo to inject the required spark into a reshaped Barcelona midfield.