Key Takeaways:
- Fermin Lopez has been ruled out for approximately two weeks following a right calf injury sustained after last Saturday’s clash with Oihan Sancet
- Barcelona will be without Lopez for crucial fixtures against Alaves, Atletico Madrid, and Champions League opponents Eintracht Frankfurt
- Dani Olmo is poised to capitalise on Lopez’ absence as he works to regain form after injury setbacks throughout 2025
Fermin Lopez Ruled Out with Recurring Muscle Injury
Barcelona’s hopes for the winter stretch of the campaign have taken a hit as Fermin Lopez faces his second muscle injury this season. Having already missed several weeks between September and October, Lopez was struggling with discomfort following a challenge from Oihan Sancet last Saturday. Despite pushing through the pain to feature at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, the midfielder has now been forced to halt all activity to focus on rehabilitation.
𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦
First-team player Fermín López has a small injury to the soleus muscle in his right leg, and his estimated recovery time is around two weeks. pic.twitter.com/JtUM6l3kom
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 27, 2025
Impact on Upcoming Fixtures and Recovery Timeline
The Catalan club have confirmed that Lopez will be sidelined for around two weeks due to a calf injury in his right leg. The timing is less than ideal for Barcelona as they attempt to close the gap on Real Madrid in La Liga and maintain traction in the Champions League.
Over the next fortnight, Barcelona are scheduled to host Alaves and Atletico Madrid before making the trip to Seville to face Real Betis. The upcoming Champions League home tie versus Eintracht Frankfurt is likely to arrive too soon for Lopez’s return. However, there is optimism that the 21-year-old could be available for selection against Osasuna on the 13th of December and Villarreal on the 21st, which will be the club’s final two matches of the calendar year.
| Upcoming Fixtures | Date | Status of Fermin Lopez |
|---|---|---|
| Alaves (Home) | 29.11 | Unavailable |
| Atletico Madrid (Home) | 02.12 | Unavailable |
| Real Betis (Away) | 06.12 | Unavailable |
| Eintracht Frankfurt (Champions League, Home) | 09.12 | Highly Doubtful |
| Osasuna (Home) | 13.12 | Potential Return |
| Villarreal (Away) | 21.12 | Potential Return |
Barcelona’s Record Against Elite Opposition
The absence comes as Barcelona seek improvements in high-stakes matches, having suffered defeats to Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Chelsea so far this season. The squad’s depth will be thoroughly tested during this challenging period.
Dani Olmo Presented with Opportunity
Lopez’ injury spells another chance in the line-up for Dani Olmo. The former RB Leipzig creative has endured repeated injury issues through 2025 and has yet to rediscover top form. Fermin Lopez, meanwhile, had contributed seven goals and four assists from just 13 appearances before this latest setback. With Lopez’s form establishing him as a regular starter, Olmo will be aiming to impress and stake his claim for a spot in the team over the coming weeks.
