Barcelona is preparing to play Borussia Dortmund in a pivotal Champions League match on Wednesday. The opening leg of the two-leg quarterfinal matchup with the Champions League runner-up from the previous season will take place. After a disheartening 1-1 draw with Real Betis, Barcelona is going off the bench without several important players, including Inigo Martinez.
However, according to a recent MARCA report, Iñigo Martínez ought to make a comeback in time for the match against Dortmund in the first leg. Due to a minor injury, the veteran defender was unable to play against Real Betis. Even though he was in a position to play against Manuel Pellegrini’s team, coach Hansi Flick decided to exercise prudence.
He was excluded from the match against Real Betis because of it. However, the defense ought to return to action against Dortmund, which might greatly benefit Barcelona. In order to gradually restore his fitness and be ready for a game by Wednesday, Martinez is expected to return to squad training on Monday.
Barca handed fitness boost ahead of Dortmund tie
Dani Olmo is getting closer to making a comeback from injury, which gives Barcelona a boost. He may play in the second leg of their Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. Due to an adductor injury, Barca has declared that Olmo will not be playing for the squad for the next three weeks.
But according to Catalunya Radio, Barca is hoping Olmo will be fit to play in the second leg of the Dortmund match after making a comeback against Leganes next week. Olmo may play in Germany after earning minutes off the bench against Leganes because he is reportedly making good progress right now.
Martinez was unable to play in Saturday’s 1-1 La Liga draw with Real Betis, as Barca missed a great chance to go six points clear of Madrid at the top due to the latter’s 2-1 loss to Valencia.
The Blaugrana has been strengthened ahead of two encounters with Dortmund, but Flick’s team had to settle for a four-point lead instead, with Pau Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo establishing a center defense combo.
