Xavi Hernández left Barça in style in 2015, having won the League, Cup and Champions League titles as captain that year. He was 35 years old and could have stayed for a few more years. Plantar fasciitis, however, forced him out of Barça.
The coach at the time was his friend Luis Enrique. He made him see that it wasn't convenient for him to continue at Barça because he wouldn't play very often. Xavi suffered from plantar fasciitis that prevented him from playing three games in a row.
Dani Olmo, Like Xavi Hernández at 35
He went to Qatar and extended his career there for four more years, until 2019, in a less demanding competition.
Xavi's physical problem came at the end of his career. Dani Olmo is now in a similar situation. The difference is that he has just signed for Barça, is only 26 years old and is in the best moment of his career.
His medical history is worrying and has set off the alarm at Camp Nou. Like Xavi in his time, he can't play three games in a row. Flick must give him time to prevent him from breaking down.
Olmo didn't play a single minute against Las Palmas. In Mallorca, he was substituted in the 72nd minute by Frenkie De Jong, who made the most of his opportunity.
The latest blaugrana transfer has a special predisposition to injuries. The latest was an overload on the pubis. But it's only the latest in a worrying medical history.
345 Days Off Work in the last Three years
14 injuries in the last four years, between Leipzig and FC Barcelona. In the last three seasons he's been out for 345 days and has missed 68 games.
Since he joined Barça he's been out for 41 days and has missed 8 games due to physical issues. The last mishap was due to problems with his pubis. Before that, due to discomfort in his hamstrings.
Last season, while still a Leipzig player, he was out for 147 days, split between three injuries. He missed 29 games, which led him to shine at the European Championships, which he arrived at in top shape.
Two seasons ago he was out for 98 days and missed 20 games, also due to three injuries. Last season he was out for 100 days and missed 19 games.
In fact, he arrived at Barça injured this summer and has only been able to play sporadically during the season between injuries.
Barça is looking for solutions. His performance is excellent when he plays. The problem is that he plays less than the club would like.