Ferran Torres has left the Spain squad due to a muscle complaint, ruling him out of the Bulgaria qualifier and severely deepening Barcelona's injury crisis ahead of the season's first El Clasico. The forward's setback, which follows an injury to Dani Olmo, leaves coach Hansi Flick with a major attacking headache before facing Real Madrid on October 26.
Ferran Torres injury adds to Barcelona’s growing concerns
Torres has been ruled out of Spain’s clash against Bulgaria after reporting muscle discomfort following the match against Georgia. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed that the Barcelona forward played the full 90 minutes against Georgia but experienced a muscle overload, though no structural damage was found after medical tests.
The timing could hardly be worse for Barcelona. The Catalan side are already battling a series of injuries to key players, and Torres' setback piles more pressure on coach Flick’s plans ahead of the season’s first El Clasico on October 26. With Olmo, Fermin Lopez, and Gavi already sidelined, the Barca manager now faces a growing challenge in maintaining attacking consistency and rotation depth.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhat Barcelona lose without Ferran Torres
Torres’ resurgence this season has been one of Barcelona’s bright spots. The 24-year-old forward rediscovered his rhythm under Flick, contributing goals and creative energy from both flanks. In La Liga, Torres has already been directly involved in six goals across 10 games, showing sharp movement, improved finishing, and a growing sense of leadership in the final third.
The Blaugrana are also coping with the absence of Olmo, who suffered a calf muscle injury while with the Spanish national team. The setback forced him to withdraw from Spain’s qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria, and he has since returned to Barcelona for medical evaluation. The injury is expected to sideline him for three to four weeks, almost certainly ruling him out of El Clasico. The club have expressed frustration over how Spain handled Olmo’s fitness, as the player had reported discomfort upon arrival to the national camp but continued training.
Lamine Yamal recovery offers hope for El Clasico
Amid the rising injury list, Barcelona may finally have some positive news. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is on course to make his return ahead of the crucial El Clasico clash. According to reports, Yamal is expected to receive medical clearance to feature in Barcelona’s upcoming match against Girona, likely as a substitute. If he comes through that fixture without complications, the plan is to start him against Olympiacos in the Champions League, a crucial step before being fully ready for the showdown with Madrid.
GettyInjury worries grow for both Barc and Madrid
Madrid are facing their own fitness challenges heading into El Clasico. Dani Carvajal has been ruled out for around a month with a calf injury, while Trent Alexander-Arnold remains sidelined due to a biceps femoris problem. These absences have forced coach Xabi Alonso to rely on younger defenders and reshuffled roles, with Federico Valverde occasionally deployed in a deeper position.
Both sides will therefore enter Santiago Bernabeu with depleted squads, adding another layer of unpredictability to a fixture that could shape the early La Liga title race. Madrid currently lead the table with 21 points from eight matches, while reigning champions Barcelona trail closely with 19 points.
