Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has been dealt a significant setback as his team continues preparations for their crucial UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan.
Scheduled for Tuesday evening at the iconic San Siro Stadium, the match follows an electrifying first leg at the Montjuïc Stadium, which ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw. With both sides eager to book a spot in the final, Barcelona’s latest injury news has come as an unwelcome development.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Tribuna.com, Barcelona’s promising left-back Alejandro Balde is highly unlikely to feature in the upcoming match.
The young defender has not rejoined full team training and remains on the sidelines as he recovers from an injury. Balde picked up the setback during a La Liga fixture against Leganés on April 12 and has been absent from action ever since.
Although there had been a glimmer of hope for his return, as the 20-year-old recently posted images of himself undergoing individual training sessions, those hopes have now dimmed.
His recent training activities were part of a tailored recovery program, and while fans had anticipated a potential comeback for the high-stakes match against Inter Milan, the latest reports suggest that Balde’s recovery will take longer than initially expected.
Barcelona’s medical team is reportedly prioritizing Balde’s rehabilitation with a focus on having him fit in time for the season-defining El Clásico against arch-rivals Real Madrid on May 11.
This decision underlines the importance of the La Liga clash, where Barcelona will need all their key players available for what could be a decisive encounter in the domestic title race.
The absence of Alejandro Balde is a considerable blow for Hansi Flick’s side. The talented full-back has been an essential figure in Barcelona’s lineup this season, valued for his technical skills, speed, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. His absence will force Flick to rethink his defensive setup as they head into one of the most crucial matches of their European campaign.
As the Catalan giants travel to Milan, the team must now find a way to cope without one of their brightest young stars. The pressure is on Flick and his squad to deliver a performance capable of securing a place in the Champions League final despite the challenges they face.
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