Four options Hansi Flick has to replace Alejandro Balde in Barcelona vs Inter Milan | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to play one of the most high-stakes matches of the season tomorrow as they travel to Italy to face Inter Milan in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final tie.

The first leg of this tie ended in a 3-3 draw, and the Blaugranes particularly suffered at the hands of the Nerazzurri wing-back Denzel Dumfries, who scored two goals and provided one assist in this game, and also received the Man of the Match award for this game.

He would once again pose a significant threat to the Catalans on Tuesday, and unfortunately for Hansi Flick, the starting Barcelona left-back, Alejandro Balde, will once again not be available to play this match.

In such circumstances, SPORT has identified the main alternatives that are available to the German coach to deal with such an important absence, primarily with the view of keeping Dumfries in control.

Gerard Martin

The option the Blaugrana coach is most likely to opt for is to play Gerard Martin in Balde’s position, something he has already done since the latter’s injury. This will allow Flick to keep his central pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez, and Martin will also come into this game following a MOTM performance against Valladolid.

He faced a lot of problems dealing with Dumfries in the first leg, and he was also not rested in the last league game, like most other starters. Still, he has been gaining confidence lately and is the best placed to start as the team’s left-back tomorrow.

Inigo Martinez

Another option for Flick would be to play Inigo Martinez as a left-back, as he did in the second half of the first leg against Inter. His experience and defensive skills might allow him to face a player of Dumfries’ quality more adeptly.

However, such an alternative would force the German coach to field Ronald Araujo as Cubarsi’s partner in the centre of the defence. Furthermore, Martinez would also not provide much of an offensive threat.

FC Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez. [Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images]

Hector Fort

Hector Fort, although primarily a right-back, can also play in this position and has actually done so under Xavi Hernandez. Although he would provide more offensive presence, he leaves a lot to be desired defensively.

Ronald Araujo

Lastly, another player who has played as a left-back under Xavi is Ronald Araujo. However, this alternative would mean limiting Raphinha’s role to the wing, as he would not advance a lot higher up the pitch. Still, he would provide a good option to keep Dumfries’ offensive runs in check and will also provide the height to counter the threat posed by Inter on set-pieces.

Ultimately, Hansi Flick will have to make a decision in this regard, and this decision can prove to be decisive for the upcoming tie.