October 29
Refusing to Leave Last Summer
Barcelona’s recent crisis has unexpectedly worked in favor of one player who was on the verge of leaving the Catalan club. He now finds himself with a fresh opportunity to prove his worth and demonstrate a different side of his game.
Barcelona has been dealt another blow as they continue their La Liga campaign, with confirmation that Xavi Espart will be sidelined for approximately seven weeks. He sustained an injury to his right ankle during the *Clásico* against Real Madrid—a match that ended in a 2–1 victory for the *Merengues*.
According to the Spanish press, 23-year-old Alejandro Balde is set to receive a second chance following Espart’s injury and extended absence.
Balde had fallen out of favor with manager Hansi Flick last summer; however, the Barcelona academy graduate opted to turn down offers from clubs like Manchester United, remaining determined to succeed with the team.
Before the start of the opening round, Flick remarked in a press conference: "I spoke with Alejandro Balde this morning. I don’t believe he is fully match-fit, so I decided to keep him in Barcelona." He added, "I asked him to take some time to reflect and clear his head. We will speak again tomorrow."
Now, ten rounds into the season—with Xavi Espart and Eric García sidelined, and uncertainty surrounding Jules Koundé (who continued training apart from the main group yesterday)—Flick may well grant Balde another opportunity.
The manager had already brought him on during the *Clásico*—immediately after Espart went down following a challenge from Tchouaméni half an hour into the match—and it is possible that Balde could feature in the starting lineup this coming Saturday against Alavés. 5 Months Away from the Starting Lineup
Should he feature, Balde could reclaim his spot in the starting lineup—ending an absence of over five months—either by having Cancelo shift to the right flank, or perhaps by stepping in for Bryan Farinas.
The last time the young Barcelona player started a match was on May 23, during Barcelona’s final La Liga game at the Mestalla, which took place after the league title had already been secured.
Barcelona lost that match 3–1, with Balde playing the full 90 minutes. Since then, in La Liga, he was left out of the squad for the opening round and remained an unused substitute in seven other matches. This was followed by a 60-minute appearance against Real Madrid last Sunday.
Beyond that, Balde has played only 12 minutes in the resounding 7–2 victory over Racing Santander at the Camp Nou, as well as 16 minutes at the Parc des Princes in Paris against Paris Saint-Germain.
His future ahead of the upcoming winter transfer window remains uncertain. However, if there is any chance to change his situation, it will depend on him returning to his best form against Alavés this coming Saturday—and attempting to convince Flick once again to keep him in the side.
