Barcelona do not expect Dani Olmo to be available for Wednesday's Supercopa de Espana semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, but Hansi Flick hopes the difficulties in registering him can boost the Blaugrana.
Barcelona signed Olmo from RB Leipzig in August for around €55 million, but were only allowed to register the midfielder for half the season due to LaLiga wage cap rules.
Similar issues prevented them from registering Pau Victor after he arrived from Girona in July, with both players left in limbo as Barca battle to get their registration ratified.
On Saturday they lost their final appeal to sign both players for the remainder of the campaign, and their last hope now rests on the Spanish government through the Administrative Sports Court (CSD).
“I don't think it's going to happen tomorrow, but we're going to wait. All we can do now is wait,” Flick said when asked if the duo would make it to Wednesday's match in Riyadh.
“It's not that easy for us not to have two very important players. They have improved a lot. Dani Olmo is an excellent player, of course we miss him.”
“But we have to continue. Of course it will have an effect, but this gives us the opportunity to be closer as a team. We have to show that we are a team.”
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However, Flick is not concerned that the legal issues the club has faced with the two players will have a negative effect on their future recruitment.
“We know what the situation is and how immense this club is. If you know that, you will sign anyway,” said Flick. “It's great to be able to work with people like that.”
Barcelona defeated Athletic 2-1 when the teams met in LaLiga in August, but their opponents are in excellent form and are unbeaten in their last 15 matches in all competitions.
Flick's side, meanwhile, have recorded just one win in their last seven league games and have dropped to third place with Athletic just two points behind them in fourth.
The German is expecting a tough match, but he does have winger Lamine Yamal available after the 17-year-old missed back-to-back matches due to an ankle injury.
“I think he's trained three or four times. He's ready, he can play tomorrow,” Flick said.
“Playing against Athletic is always difficult. They are a very good team, they have very good players and a very good philosophy.”
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