According to Fabrizio Romano on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Barcelona are facing a potential injury setback ahead of their highly anticipated El Clásico clash against Real Madrid, with Dani Olmo expected to miss Sunday's match. Initial fears reportedly point to an adductor tear, which could leave the Spanish midfielder facing a spell on the sidelines.

The news will be a major concern for Barcelona as they prepare for one of the most important fixtures of their season. The meeting with Real Madrid is always a highly competitive contest, and both teams will want their strongest players available for the battle.

Olmo's possible absence could force Barcelona's coaching staff to reconsider their plans for the game. The midfielder offers creativity, technical ability and intelligent movement in attacking areas, making him a valuable option when the team needs to break down a well-organised defence.

His ability to operate between the lines allows him to connect the midfield with the forwards and create opportunities for his teammates. Against a strong Real Madrid side, those qualities could have been particularly important for Barcelona.

An adductor injury affects the muscles around the inner thigh and groin area. Depending on the severity, it can limit a player's ability to accelerate, change direction and strike the ball comfortably. A tear could require a significant recovery period, although the exact length of any absence would depend on medical assessments.

For Barcelona, the priority will be to establish the full extent of Olmo's injury before determining the next steps in his recovery. Further examinations should provide a clearer picture of the problem and whether he could return to action in the coming weeks.

If his absence is confirmed, Barcelona will need other players to step up and help fill the creative gap in midfield. The manager may consider alternative options who can provide similar attacking movement and help the team maintain control of possession.

El Clásico is a fixture that often attracts worldwide attention, with the result capable of influencing the mood around both clubs. Barcelona will therefore be eager to avoid further injury problems as they prepare to face their biggest rivals.

For now, Olmo's expected absence represents a worrying development for the Catalan side. Supporters will be waiting for further medical updates to learn the seriousness of the injury and how long the midfielder could be unavailable.

With Sunday's showdown approaching, Barcelona could be forced to face Real Madrid without one of their important attacking midfield options.