Official: Barcelona youngster leaves national team camp due to injury

The fitness problems continue to mount for FC Barcelona as key defender and first-choice left-back Alejandro Balde has seemingly sustained an adductor injury while on national team duty with Spain.

The 19-year-old left-back started for La Roja during their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Scotland last night.

But, Balde was withdrawn at half-time by manager Luis de la Fuente, with Real Madrid’s Fran Garcia replacing him on the pitch.

After the game, the Spain national team released a statement confirming that Balde had suffered from some discomfort in his adductors and as such had left the national team camp.

“Nico Williams and Alejandro Balde have been called off due to physical problems after Spain’s victory against Scotland (2-0),” the statement read.

“Williams has had a strain in his intercostal muscles since last Tuesday, while Balde suffers discomfort in his adductors.”

While it is believed that the issue is not very serious and his return his precautionary, a clearer picture of Balde’s condition will emerge once he goes through tests at the club’s facilities.

For now, the 19-year-old will miss Spain’s trip to Norway, with Villarreal’s Alfonso Pedraza replacing him in the squad.