Headline: Alejandro Balde’s Future with Barcelona Remains Uncertain Amid Defensive Injuries
According to MARCA, Alejandro Balde faces an uncertain future in Barcelona’s first team, even with Xavi Espart’s injury opening up a spot in the defense.
Head coach Hansi Flick is weighing various options ahead of the upcoming La Liga match against Alaves, considering different defensive setups and potential promotions from La Masia. Although Balde is a strong candidate to play, the German manager’s readiness to try new combinations means that Balde’s chances of starting remain unclear.
Balde Possibly Steps Up After Espart’s Injury
Espart sustained an injury to his right ankle during El Clasico and is expected to be sidelined for around seven weeks. The young defender had recently solidified his role under Flick, playing on both sides of the defense as Barcelona struggled with multiple injuries.
Balde initially seemed to be the logical substitute for Espart. Flick called him from the bench during the 30th minute of the Real Madrid match when Espart requested to be substituted due to his injury. Balde completed the game competently, providing a reliable option for the coach. His performance in El Clasico marked a significant increase in his playing time compared to a slow start to the season.
No guarantee of chances despite injuries in the squad. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Before the match against Real Madrid, Balde had only accumulated 28 minutes of play over two appearances against Racing Santander in La Liga and PSG in the Champions League.
Kounde’s Recovery and Cancelo’s Role Could Impact Balde
Barcelona’s lineup for the Alaves match will depend significantly on Jules Kounde’s recovery from an ankle sprain he sustained against Real Betis. If Kounde is fit to play, Flick may opt to position him at right-back, with Joao Cancelo on the opposite flank, potentially leaving Balde out of the starting lineup.
Andreas Christensen is expected to receive medical clearance soon, although he may not start right away. In future matches, Flick could deploy Christensen at center-back and shift Gerard Martin to left-back, further complicating Balde’s situation.
Flick Considers Options from La Masia
After El Clasico, Flick indicated that he might look to Barcelona’s academy to fill the defensive gaps. One possibility includes using Brian Farinas as a right-back, allowing Cancelo to remain positioned on the left.
Flick has not counted on Balde much this season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Flick also has several reserve-team players available, such as Jordi Pesquer on the left and Landry Farre and Guillem Víctor on the right. He knows these players well from their involvement in first-team training.
The coach has already included Pesquer in the squad for the match against Elche, indicating Balde’s precarious position. His opportunities to play will largely hinge on the availability of senior defenders and Flick’s confidence in trusting younger players.
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The Blaugrana encouraged Balde to consider a departure during the summer and are expected to revisit the possibility in January.
Despite the injuries affecting the defensive lineup, Balde’s role in the team appears uncertain, and a potential transfer remains on the table.
