Barcelona hopeful Dani Olmo will return against Villarreal

Dani Olmo is closing in on a return for Barcelona after making significant progress in his recovery from a left adductor injury.

The Spain international was hurt during Barcelona’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain on 20 October and was forced to leave the pitch. He has not played for the club since.

Barcelona are optimistic Olmo could be available for their next match against Villarreal on Sunday, 22 November, in La Liga, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The 27-year-old is targeting medical clearance before the fixture, with his rehabilitation reportedly progressing well. His condition has improved to the point where he would be able to play if Barcelona had a match in midweek before facing Villarreal.

Olmo is using the current international break to continue his recovery programme and train individually as he works towards reaching full fitness before returning to first-team action.

His absence has affected Hansi Flick’s selection plans, with Barcelona unable to call on him for important matches against Real Madrid, Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid.

Olmo suffered a tear to his adductor muscle, and Barcelona initially indicated that he would be sidelined for a month. It is his first injury of the current season, after he experienced several muscular problems in previous years.

He has made 12 appearances for Barcelona this campaign, scoring one goal and providing four assists.

The injury came during Barcelona’s first defeat of the season, ending a run of 11 successive victories in all competitions.