A major boost is on the horizon for Barcelona as they prepare for a high-stakes La Liga showdown against Real Sociedad at Montjuic this Sunday.
The fixture, set to unfold at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, finds the team in a phase where every result is critical in maintaining momentum amidst a competitive league campaign.
Without the luxury of a full squad in recent weeks, the coaching staff has managed resources carefully, enduring the absence of influential players due to injury.
The managerial focus has been on adapting tactics to cope with these challenges, especially with other first-team regulars like Gavi and Marc-André ter Stegen still sidelined.
The return of two important individuals who have been inching closer to full fitness now promises to alter both the team sheet and Barcelona’s tactical setup for this key encounter.
The players in question are Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal, are expected to receive the long-awaited medical green light ahead of Sunday’s crucial match, according to AS.
Balde’s promising progress follows a recent thigh injury, which kept him out of action for three consecutive fixtures.
After building fitness through consecutive group training sessions, he has been declared probable for selection, although the management ruled him out for the preceding midweek tie against Real Oviedo in order to prioritize a complete recovery.
Balde’s return now adds dynamism and balance to the defensive structure, precisely when the team needs defensive security and offensive support from the flanks.
Lamine Yamal has also been pushing for a swift recovery from pubic discomfort, gradually increasing his workload with on-pitch ball work in recent days.
While he has not been fully integrated into group sessions, medical hope prevails that he will be available for at least a late cameo appearance against Real Sociedad—his participation intended as a step towards regaining full match rhythm ahead of the following week’s Champions League assignment against Paris Saint-Germain.
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