Alejandro Balde Gets a Fresh Chance as Barcelona Face Defensive Injury Crisis
Barcelona’s latest injury setback could provide Alejandro Balde with an unexpected route back into the team. The left-back, who turned down transfer opportunities last summer to continue his career at the Camp Nou, may now have a chance to reshape his season and convince head coach Hansi Flick that he belongs in the starting XI.
The opportunity comes at a difficult moment for Barcelona. Xavi Espart is expected to miss close to seven weeks after injuring his right ankle during the recent Clasico against Real Madrid, which ended in a 2-1 win for Los Blancos. With other defenders also unavailable or uncertain, Flick may need to reconsider a player who has spent much of the campaign on the fringes.
Injuries Open the Door for Balde
According to Mundo Deportivo, Espart’s injury could give the 23-year-old Balde a second chance to establish himself. Barcelona are also dealing with the absence of Eric Garcia, while Jules Kounde has reportedly trained separately from the group, leaving his availability in doubt. Those circumstances could make the club’s defensive options particularly important ahead of their next La Liga fixture against Alaves.
Balde was on the pitch when Espart was injured in the Clasico. The incident came around the half-hour mark, following a collision involving Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. With Espart now facing a lengthy spell out, Balde could be considered for a starting role at left-back when Barcelona return to league action.
That possibility would mark a notable change in his fortunes. Earlier in the season, Flick suggested that Balde was not yet ready to feature regularly. Speaking before the opening round of La Liga, the coach said he had discussed the situation with the defender and decided to keep him at Barcelona, while asking him to take time to reflect before they spoke again.
At the time, the comments appeared to leave Balde’s place in the squad uncertain. The defender had reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United and other clubs, but chose not to leave. His decision reflected a belief that he could still make an impact at his boyhood club. Now, circumstances may give him the opportunity to demonstrate that commitment on the pitch.
A Long Wait for a Starting Opportunity
If Balde starts against Alaves, it would be his first appearance in Barcelona’s starting line-up in more than five months. His most recent start came on 23 May, in the team’s final La Liga match at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium. Barcelona lost 3-1, and Balde played the full 90 minutes.
Since then, his involvement in the league has been limited. He was left out of the squad for the opening round and later remained an unused substitute in seven matches. His opportunities across all competitions have also been brief: he played 12 minutes in Barcelona’s 7-2 victory over Racing Santander and 16 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.
His most substantial recent outing came in the Clasico, where he played for 60 minutes. While that appearance does not automatically guarantee another start, it gives Flick a recent opportunity to assess his fitness and readiness. The coach must now weigh Balde’s attacking qualities and familiarity with Barcelona’s style against the need for defensive stability during a demanding stretch of the season.
What Balde Could Bring to Barcelona’s Left Side
Balde’s main strengths are his pace, ability to carry the ball forward and willingness to overlap on the left flank. Those qualities can help Barcelona move quickly from defence into attack and create width when opponents defend compactly. A confident performance could give the team another way to stretch Alaves and support its forwards.
However, a return to the starting XI would also bring responsibilities beyond attacking runs. Barcelona will need Balde to stay alert when possession turns over, maintain his position and coordinate closely with the centre-backs. Against an opponent likely to look for counterattacking opportunities, his decision-making could be just as important as his speed.
There may also be changes elsewhere in the back line. One possibility is for Joao Cancelo to move to the right, allowing Balde to occupy his natural left-back position. Another option could involve Brian Farinas stepping in, depending on Flick’s assessment of fitness, form and tactical balance. The final selection will likely depend on who is available and how the coaching staff wants to manage the defensive workload.
Alaves Match Could Shape His Season
The meeting with Alaves is more than a routine league fixture for Balde. It could serve as a test of whether he can turn a rare opportunity into a sustained role. Barcelona need reliable defensive cover, but the club also needs players who can challenge for places and maintain competition within the squad.
For Balde, the immediate objective is straightforward: deliver a composed, energetic performance if selected. A strong display would not necessarily settle questions about his long-term future, but it could improve his standing with Flick and increase his chances of earning further minutes before the winter transfer window.
His situation remains open. Barcelona’s injury problems have created a possible lifeline, yet the defender will still have to make the most of it. A single start can offer momentum, but consistency is what will determine whether he becomes a regular option again.
Barcelona Prediction: A Valuable Chance, Not a Guaranteed Return
Barcelona’s defensive absences make Balde a realistic candidate to start against Alaves, although Flick could choose another solution based on the latest fitness updates. The prediction is that Balde will be strongly considered for the left-back role, particularly if Kounde remains unavailable and the coaching staff prefers Cancelo on the opposite side.
Whatever the team selection, the match represents an important moment in Balde’s campaign. He rejected the chance to leave because he wanted to succeed at Barcelona. With the club’s injury crisis reshaping its options, he now has a chance to turn that decision into a fresh beginning—and remind Flick why the academy graduate once looked like a key part of the club’s future.
