Dani Olmo Remains Sidelined For Valencia Showdown
Dani Olmo will miss RB Leipzig's Bundesliga clash with Valencia due to a fitness issue, head coach Marco Rose has confirmed. The 24-year-old has been in impressive form for the German club this season, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in 21 appearances across all competitions, but he will not be available for Thursday's Europa League knockout round play-off first leg at the Red Bull Arena. Olmo, who has been capped 25 times by Spain, is a key player for Leipzig and his absence will be a blow to Rose's side as they look to progress to the last 16 of the competition.
Olmo's Injury Woes
Olmo has had a history of injury problems throughout his career. In 2020, he suffered a serious knee injury that kept him out of action for several months. He has also missed matches due to muscle problems and other minor injuries in recent seasons. This latest setback is a concern for Leipzig, who are already without several other key players due to injury.
Leipzig's Options
In Olmo's absence, Rose has several options to choose from. He could play Emil Forsberg or Dominik Szoboszlai in the attacking midfield role, or he could move Timo Werner into a more central position. Forsberg has been in good form for Leipzig this season, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 21 appearances, while Szoboszlai has also impressed with three goals and two assists in 17 appearances. Werner, who joined Leipzig from Chelsea in the summer, has scored five goals in 16 appearances and is a threat in front of goal.
Valencia's Threat
Valencia will be no pushovers for Leipzig. The Spanish club is currently ninth in La Liga, but they have a good record in European competition. They won the UEFA Super Cup in 2004 and have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League on two occasions. Valencia also has several dangerous players in their squad, including Edinson Cavani, Justin Kluivert, and Yunus Musah. Cavani is a proven goalscorer at the highest level, while Kluivert and Musah are both exciting young talents.
Conclusion
Leipzig will be hoping to overcome the absence of Olmo and secure a positive result against Valencia in the first leg of their Europa League knockout round play-off tie. The German club has a strong squad and will be confident of beating Valencia, but they will need to be at their best to do so. Valencia is a dangerous team and will be looking to cause an upset. The match is evenly poised and could go either way.
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