FC Barcelona has been dealt another blow in the final stretch of 2025: Dani Olmo will not play again until 2026. The Catalan midfielder, who had been enjoying his best run of the season, underwent medical tests revealing a dislocation in his left shoulder. The club opted for conservative treatment, estimating around a month of recovery, which rules him out for the remainder of the calendar year.

The Injury That Halted His Best Run

Olmo was injured in the match against Atlético Madrid, moments after scoring. He landed awkwardly following the shot, and although he managed a brief smile upon seeing the ball hit the net, he was unable to stand. His teammates immediately called for medical assistance after seeing the level of pain he was in.

The timing couldn’t have been worse: Olmo had started against Alavés and Atlético, scoring three goals in two matches and emerging as one of Xavi’s most in-form attacking players.

A Season Interrupted by Physical Setbacks

This marks Olmo’s second injury of the season. Back in October, he already missed three matches —two in LaLiga and one in the Champions League— due to muscular issues. Just when he looked settled, confident and ready to lead Barcelona’s creative front, another setback forces him to stop again.

The medical assessment is clear: Olmo won’t return until 2026, a significant blow for a Barça side that needs continuity and stability.

A Growing Injury List at Barcelona

Barcelona’s injury concerns continue to grow. Ter Stegen, Gavi, and Fermín were already sidelined, and now Olmo joins the list. Additionally, Ronald Araújo requested time away to recover emotionally and will also be unavailable.

With several key players out, Xavi must rethink his rotations and attacking structure during one of the most demanding stretches of the season.

What Olmo Will Miss — and What Barça Must Face

Olmo will be unavailable for the matches against Betis, Eintracht Frankfurt, Osasuna, Villarreal, and the upcoming Copa del Rey fixture. These are decisive games as Barcelona closes out 2025 seeking consistency and momentum.

Without Olmo, Barça loses creativity, verticality and scoring form just when the Catalan was becoming one of the team’s primary offensive solutions.