Breaking news! Barça makes Fermín López's situation official: 'He'll be out until...'

Fermín López has become one of the most influential pieces for FC Barcelona this season. Last season, he was clearly behind Dani Olmo in Hansi Flick's preferences, but the constant discomfort of "20" has opened the door for him to become a starter. With more continuity, more confidence, and more responsibility, Fermín is showing that he can be decisive in a team that aims for everything.

His contribution goes far beyond simple physical deployment. With Fermín López on the field, FC Barcelona gains intensity in pressing, runs from the second line, and a tremendous ability to break lines with vertical drives. In addition, his defensive commitment is exemplary, something Flick deeply values in a midfielder who combines energy, quality, and tactical discipline.

But if there's one area where Fermín López is surprising everyone, it's his goal-scoring numbers. "16" already has 7 goals and 4 assists in 13 matches, excellent numbers for a midfielder who, in theory, isn't an offensive protagonist. His impact on Barça's attack is so significant that, in just two months, he has already accumulated almost half the minutes he played throughout the previous campaign.

Fermín López gets injured

However, as already happened at the end of September, Fermín López isn't immune to physical problems. The accumulated effort and the high competitive pace have ended up taking their toll at the least opportune moment. This afternoon, FC Barcelona issued an official statement confirming his absence for the upcoming matches.

According to the statement, Fermín López has a minor injury in the soleus of his right leg and will be out for approximately 14 days. That is, two full weeks without being able to help the team during a stretch of the schedule that doesn't allow for relaxation. Barça hoped to have him this Saturday in the match against Alavés, but that option is now completely ruled out.

The setback is serious because Flick had prepared the game plan with Fermín López as an essential piece in pressing and in connecting with the wingers. His absence will force the German to reorganize the midfield, and everything points to Dani Olmo being chosen to take his place. The Spanish international is now fully recovered and should start on Saturday against Alavés.

For Flick, losing Fermín López means being without one of the most in-form footballers in the locker room. For Barça, it means putting a temporary halt to the rise of a player who was growing at a dizzying pace. If everything goes well, "16" will return just before the end of the year, but until then Olmo will have to take his place.