A key Barcelona defender has been ruled out for three weeks with a hamstring injury sustained, posing a challenge for the club.
FC Barcelona’s early September training sessions have carried a note of tension and anticipation, especially as international call-ups have left a handful of key names at the Ciutat Esportiva while others are away representing their countries.
Among the stories swirling around the club, whispers of minor knocks and squad reshuffling have drawn particular attention during this period, as manager Hansi Flick continues to shape his plans amid the ongoing international break.
The suspense was broken earlier today when Barcelona’s official channels confirmed a worrying development: left-back Alejandro Balde has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.
According to credible reports from journalist Helena Condis, Balde is expected to be out of action for three weeks—a substantial period in both his personal development and the team’s schedule.
Balde, who has swiftly become a fixture in Flick’s tactical system, suffered the setback during a training session.
Although initial club statements downplayed the injury’s severity, the timeline for his recovery has now come into sharper focus.
Fortunately for Barcelona, the timing offers a slim silver lining. Nearly half of Balde’s absence will coincide with the international break, minimizing the number of official matches he may miss.
If recovery goes as forecast, his absence would affect crucial fixtures—most notably, the La Liga clash with Valencia immediately following the break, and potentially the opening UEFA Champions League group-stage game against Newcastle United.
In the meantime, Flick is set to rely on alternatives like Gerard Martin—recently registered ahead of the Rayo Vallecano encounter—and emerging talent Jofre Torrents, both of whom could cover the left flank.
As Barcelona navigates this brief but intense period without Balde, the injury serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between youth development and competitive momentum—a challenge Flick must manage carefully as La Liga and European ambitions intensify.
❗ COMUNICADO MÉDICO
▶ Alejandro Balde ha sufrido una pequeña lesión en el bíceps femoral de la pierna izquierda durante el entrenamiento de hoy. Su evolución marcará su disponibilidad pic.twitter.com/vpuh7mgITM
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) September 3, 2025
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