Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde became a victim of an early injury in their recent game against Leganes, and he consequently left a massive gap in the team as the team was on the verge of a critical period of the season.
Diario Sport has given an update on Balde’s fitness, and it reports that there is negativity in the Barcelona camp about the young player’s injury.
Balde seemed uncomfortable in his hamstring, and that’s why he was substituted and was replaced by Gerard Martin before the whistle, signaling the commencement of the first half.
With high-stakes matches on the horizon—such as the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Borussia Dortmund and the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid – coach Hansi Flick has requested 23-year-old Gerard Martin to fill the gap left by Balde.
It is the greatest test of Martín’s Barcelona career to date, and it allows him to demonstrate that he is good enough to become a regular long-term player for the team.
Gerard Martin, a La Masia product, has already been featured 31 times this term, 10 of them as a starter, and has netted a goal and three assists.
While he has done well in rotation games, the coming weeks will demand a lot more of him as Barcelona plays on three fronts.
His first test will be at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park, one of the most intimidating European stadiums, where he will most likely start after being rested during the group stages.
Then, he will most likely feature in deciding La Liga games against Celta Vigo and Mallorca, both crucial in keeping Barcelona’s title hopes alive.
His best chance, though, will come in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.
Even if we assume Balde returns in time, sending him back too early may not be worth it, so Gerrad Martin may keep his spot if he performs well in the buildup to the big matches.
This series of games may cement Gerard Martín’s Barcelona fate.
If he makes it, he could be among the first-choice regulars alongside the regular starting XI—or even outright take Balde’s spot.
But there is little room for error as super-clashes loom.
To the Blaugrana, Martín’s work may be between hardware and hurt in a season where all hardware is valuable.
The stage has been set for the homegrown stopper to prove to the world he’s a big-leaguer.
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