Barcelona’s push for multiple titles will now test more than just talent it will challenge their depth and adaptability, following the injury to first-choice left-back Alejandro Balde.
The 21-year-old was forced off during Saturday’s narrow 1-0 win over Leganes, a result that temporarily extended Barça’s La Liga lead to seven points. However, the victory came at a cost.
“Tests carried out on Sunday morning on the first team player Alejandro Balde confirm that he has a distal injury to his left hamstring,” the club confirmed in a brief statement.
While the club didn’t specify his return date, Spanish reports suggest Balde could be out for up to three weeks — ruling him out of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Borussia Dortmund, where Barcelona hold a commanding 4-0 advantage.
More worryingly, the injury puts his availability for the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on April 26 in serious doubt, potentially forcing coach Xavi to reshuffle his back line for one of the season’s defining fixtures.
The absence of Balde, known for his pace and attacking flair down the flank, could force tactical tweaks in matches that demand both defensive composure and offensive width.
With the club chasing silverware on four fronts, Balde’s injury highlights just how fine the margins are and how critical every player will be in the coming weeks.
