Barcelona have received a major injury boost ahead of their return to action following October's international break.
The Catalan giants are enjoying the start of life under the stewardship of former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick during the opening weeks of the 2024-25 term.
Barca currently occupy top spot in the La Liga standings after collecting 24 points from nine matches, allowing them to build a three-point advantage over arch rivals Real Madrid in second.
On the continental stage, the five-time European champions have endured a mixed start, losing 2-1 at Monaco in the Champions League before beating Young Boys 5-0 on October 1.
Flick's troops face a tricky week on their return from the international pause, battling Sevilla in La Liga before the hosting of Bayern Munich in the Champions League on October 23.
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Barcelona handed major injury boost
Ahead of a difficult-looking schedule before the conclusion of October, Barcelona have been handed a major fitness boost in the form of a young midfielder.
They have confirmed that Spaniard Fermin Lopez has returned to first-team training following a couple of weeks on the sidelines.
The 21-year-old suffered a thigh strain in training on September 17, meaning that he has not featured in any of Barca's last seven fixtures across all competitions.
However, with Lopez back on the grass with his teammates, the midfielder could make a return to the matchday squad for the visit of Sevilla on Sunday night.
Suffering from a hamstring injury, Euro 2024 winner Dani Olmo is edging closer to a first-team appearance once again, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
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Lopez to the Premier League?
While Lopez battled back from a thigh issue over recent weeks, speculation started to swirl around a potential switch away from Camp Nou for the player in the near future.
With Erik ten Hag under pressure at Manchester United's Theatre of Dreams, it has been reported that former Barcelona player and manager Xavi was a contender to replace the Dutchman.
It is claimed that the Red Devils are willing to bring Lopez to Old Trafford as a way of convincing Xavi to take the top job at the Premier League strugglers.
Carter White
