Following the brilliant 3-3 draw with Inter Milan last night, Barcelona have some positive news on the injury front ahead of next week’s challenging second leg away in Italy.
Though defensive worries remain after Jules Kounde was subbed off before half-time, the Catalan club could have two key pieces of the puzzle returning at the right time.
Reports from AS indicate that Barcelona’s medical team is working overtime to have two first-team players return before their trip to San Siro.
The first, a dynamic full-back, will be significant as Barcelona have desperately missed his pace and attacking support down the side.
The second, the team’s talismanic goalscorer, will hopefully be less significant, as Ferran Torres has come into his own since his absence, however, nothing replaces a striker’s experience in a big game.
The full-back in question is Alejandro Balde, who looks to be on track to return from a hamstring injury ahead of schedule.
Initially, Balde was scheduled for a three-week lay-off after going down in a match against Leganes; however, at this stage, the 20-year-old could have clearance by Friday.
Barcelona plan to ease his return with limited minutes against Real Valladolid this weekend, before unleashing him against Inter’s benefitting right side.
However, the status of Robert Lewandowski is less optimistic.
The Polish ace injured his hamstring on April 19th against Celta Vigo, and in the days after, it was feared he would miss both legs of the semifinal.
While it is unlikely he will play from the start in Milan, at least he might be a viable option off the bench to help search for what could be a much-needed away goal.
For Manager Hansi Flick, Balde’s return is especially important.
Barcelona has missed natural width and penetration from full-back without this academy product on the pitch.
While Lewandowsky, if he plays, is an extra psychological advantage against an opponent who knows he is an elite finisher, what is also expected to be a classic Champions League match.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
