Barcelona handed injury boost ahead of Real Madrid clash | OneFootball

La Liga giants Barcelona have on Thursday been afforded a timely boost on the personnel front.

This comes amid confirmation that Alejandro Balde has returned to first-team training alongside the rest of Hansi Flick’s squad.

Defender Balde has of course spent the best part of the last month on the sidelines.

Owing to a muscular injury suffered during a La Liga meeting with Leganés, the 21-year-old was forced to sit out each of Barcelona’s last seven fixtures across all competitions.

In Balde’s absence, Gerard Martín has done a solid job of filling in at left-back, fresh off three assists in his last two appearances.

Amid their side’s ongoing pursuit of the La Liga title, though, all of a Blaugrana persuasion will nevertheless be delighted to hear of Balde returning to fitness.

As per a report from Barca insider Javier Miguel of Diario AS:

‘Alejandro Balde rejoined the squad on Thursday after being sidelined for more than three weeks due to a hamstring injury.’

Though he is unlikely to feature from the off, Balde, in turn, is expected to play at least some part in this weekend’s Clásico showdown between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Conor Laird – GSFN