Barcelona have confirmed that Alejandro Balde will miss the rest of the season with a thigh injury.
The young left-back, who has been a key player for Xavi Hernandez this season, suffered the injury in the first half of Saturday’s Copa del Rey defeat to Athletic Bilbao. He was replaced by Hector Fort.
Balde underwent tests on Sunday, which revealed a tear in his right hamstring tendon. He will now undergo surgery, which is expected to take place in the next few days.
The Catalan club will provide a further update on Balde’s condition after the operation.
Balde’s injury is a major blow for Barcelona. He has been one of the club’s most impressive players this season, making 24 appearances in all competitions.
The 19-year-old is known for his pace, skill and ability to get forward. He has been a key part of Barcelona’s attacking play, and his absence will be a big loss.
Xavi will now have to find a replacement for Balde. Jordi Alba is the only other natural left-back in the Barcelona squad, but he has been struggling with injuries this season.
The club could look to bring in a new left-back in the January transfer window.
[COMUNICADO MÉDICO]
Las pruebas realizadas han mostrado que el jugador del primer equipo Alejandro Balde sufre una lesión en el tendón del isquiotibial del muslo derecho. En los próximos días se someterá a tratamiento quirúrgico a cargo del doctor Lasse Lempainen, bajo la… pic.twitter.com/EsgEbeVspA
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) January 27, 2024
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