Barcelona got a scraping 1-0 win away from home against Leganes, Barcelona’s starlet left-back had to go off the pitch after suffering a muscle injury. Balde got injured at the 28th minute of the game as he was chasing a counterattack, he felt a sudden sharp pain in the back of his left thigh, he was visibly frustrated upon leaving the pitch and was replaced by Gerard Martín
Injury News
‘Tests carried out on Sunday morning on the first team player Alejandro Balde confirm that he has a distal injury to his left hamstring. His return to action with the first team will depend on his recovery.’ Credits: FC Barcelona
What’s Next
Alejandro Balde was an important figure on Hansi Flick’s side, both offensive and defensively. This injury is a huge blow as it came in the most important part of the season. Reports suggest Balde will be out for 2-3 weeks, potentially missing the Copa del Rey Final against Real Madrid.
His presence in previous Classico games was brilliant, now Flick has to plan something else. Barcelona’s left-hand side of the pitch was already very weak as Balde was the only one providing the input. The only option Barcelona has on the left-back position is Gerard Martin, he has significantly improved in previous games, but opting for him in this time of the season could be risky.
I would prefer Araujo to shift to the left-back position for the remaining period, he has experience playing as a right-back under Xavi, so it could be a boost for him if he gets more playing time. Balde is a more attacking minded player, but his defensive abilities this season have been wonderful to watch. In case of Gerard Martin, he is inexperienced in both departments of the pitch. Araujo still has a bit of experience of the right side but cannot match Balde’s ability.