Barcelona likely to miss Balde in Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid
Barcelona has suffered a major blow at a crucial point in the season. Spanish defender Alejandro Balde has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. It seems highly unlikely that he will feature in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.
Balde picked up the injury during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Leganés in La Liga. While tackling an opponent outside his own box in the first half, the Spanish left-back had to leave the field after the setback.
On Sunday, Barcelona issued a statement confirming that the 21-year-old had sustained a hamstring injury to his left leg. The club did not specify how long his recovery would take.
However, according to Spanish media, he is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks, which makes it highly unlikely that he will be available for the Copa del Rey final on April 26.
Last year, Balde had suffered a serious hamstring injury to his right leg and required surgery.
He will definitely miss the return leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund, as well as La Liga matches against Celta Vigo and Mallorca. As for the Copa del Rey final, Barcelona will have to wait and see if there’s any chance of his recovery in time, though they will certainly avoid rushing him back too soon.
Balde could potentially return for the Champions League semi-finals. Barcelona is in a strong position after a 4-0 win in the first leg against Bayern Munich.
So far this season, Balde has played 42 matches for Barcelona across all competitions, starting in 37 of them.
