According to Barcelona, Alejandro Balde will have surgery soon to treat a hamstring issue.
Just 23 minutes into Barcelona’s 4-2 Copa del Rey semifinal defeat to Athletic Bilbao at San Mames Stadium on Wednesday night, the 20-year-old defender departed the pitch.
Balde’s absence means that Barcelona lacks alternatives at left back since Marcos Alonso and Joao Cancelo are both now injured.
Hector Fort, a young player who took Balde’s position in the back line on Wednesday night, has had to step up to meet the challenge, according to Barca manager Xavi.
Barcelona released a statement saying, “Tests reveal that first-team player Alejandro Balde has an injury to the tendon in his right hamstring.”
Under the guidance of the club’s medical experts, he will have surgery performed in Turku, Finland, by Dr. Lasse Lempainen. A fresh announcement will be issued when the process is completed.”
It’s known that Balde will probably miss the rest of the league season due to the operation, and he’ll be up against a deadline to be well in time for Euro 2024.
For squad depth during the season, Xavi has often looked to Barcelona’s renowned La Masia programme.
This season, Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez have been a regular part of the team, with new signings Fort and Pau Cubarsi standing out.
Nevertheless, Balde’s injury is a major setback for Blaugrana in an already taxing season; the squad is now third in La Liga and has already lost the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona’s continued struggles with player registration as a result of Financial Fair Play limitations make it doubtful that they will be able to find a replacement for their injured left-back in the current transfer window.
Balde made 38 appearances in all competitions last season, contributing six assists and a goal, making him one of the most exciting young stars in European football.
Balde was once praised by Xavi as one of Barcelona’s stars of the future and as the team’s long-term left-wing defensive option.
In addition to playing in all six of Barcelona’s Champions League group stage matches, the left-back started 18 of the team’s 20 league games this season.
