Alejandro Balde’s official exclusion from Barcelona’s preparations for their pivotal second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final matchup against Inter Milan has caused a major setback, according to AS.
Due to the left-back’s poor recovery, Hansi Flick will now need to reconsider his defensive strategy before Tuesday night’s crucial match.
There had been increasing hope for Balde’s possible comeback only a few days prior. The 21-year-old was supposed to play this weekend against Real Valladolid in order to establish match rhythm before the encounter versus Inter.
But on Thursday, when Balde’s return to training elicited conflicting feelings, warning bells rang. Eventually, he was left out of the league matchday squad, and now his chances of playing against Inter are completely gone.
This is a huge setback for Flick. Barcelona has benefited greatly from Balde’s speed, attacking surge, and defensive recovery when playing against elite opponents.
Barcelona Players Likely To Miss Champions League Second Leg
However, Mundo Deportivo claims that Kounde won’t be the only player missing next Tuesday’s game. First, according to the Spanish site, Alejandro Balde, the left-back, is not expected to be able to make a comeback.
Since last month’s league game against Leganes, the 21-year-old has been sidelined. Gerard Martin has also been stepping in for Balde. In the first leg against Inter on Wednesday, he began. Balde is determined to make it back for the second leg. The Spanish international is almost definitely not going to play, though, according to MD.
Balde’s and Lewandowski’s return is not something that Barcelona coach Hansi Flick plans to hurry. In the battle for the La Liga crown, the Blaugranas still have crucial games left. Not least next weekend against Real Madrid. Flick will not jeopardize the fitness of important players as a result. Against Real, both Lewandowski and Balde will aim for returns.
