Barcelona receives injury boost as first team star close to return ahead of Inter clash

Vishal Bhawani

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Barcelona receives injury boost as first team star close to return ahead of Inter clash image

Barcelona’s backline could soon have a familiar face returning just in time for the big nights under the European lights.

Left-back Alejandro Balde, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, is now close to making his comeback ahead of Barca’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Inter Milan.

Balde last played on April 12, when he limped off during Barcelona’s La Liga win over Leganes.

Since then, he has missed four matches, including the Copa del Rey final victory against Real Madrid. A tough blow for the young star, but now, it seems the worst is behind him.

According to reports (via AS), Balde is pushing hard to be ready for Wednesday’s clash.

But Barcelona’s medical team and coaching staff are being careful. Nobody wants to rush him back and risk another injury, especially with the season reaching its boiling point.

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Will Balde be present in Barcelona squad to face Inter?

As per reports, Club officials will meet Balde on Monday to decide his next steps. A fitness test will help determine if he can suit up against Inter.

Word around the camp is that Balde is eager to play. But coach Hansi Flick is not planning to gamble with his defender’s health.

The final decision, as explained, will be a “consensus” between Balde, the coaching staff, and the medical team.

If he doesn’t return for the first leg, the plan is to have him ready for Barcelona’s weekend La Liga clash against Real Valladolid.

That way, he could be fully fit for the second leg against Inter. Either way, Barcelona fans can expect to see Balde back on the pitch soon — and just in time for the season’s biggest games.

Right now, Barcelona doesn’t have another senior left-back. Gerard Martin, registered with Barca B, has been filling in, including during the Copa del Rey final.

Teenager Hector Fort also stepped in against Mallorca. Safe to say, Barcelona will welcome Balde’s return like a striker welcomes a tap-in goal.

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Vishal Bhawani

Vishal Bhawani is a sub-editor for the Affiliate Content team and a writer and sub-editor for the Football Wires team at The Sporting News. Based in Indore, India, he holds a Diploma in Operations and Management from Maharashtra University.

Before joining TSN in May 2024, Vishal contributed to Football Express and Six Sports and ran his own blog, Anfield Home, as a passionate Liverpool fan. An avid traveler, he follows multiple sports, including cricket, soccer, and tennis.