Barcelona defender provides update after injury scare: “Everything is fine”

Following Spain’s 2-0 win over Scotland in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers last night, La Roja confirmed that Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde had sustained a fitness problem.

The national team issued a statement revealing that the 19-year-old had felt some discomfort in his adductors, leading to his substitution at half-time and the subsequent release from the squad.

It raised some concerns at Barça, who are already without six players, with Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, and Lamine Yamal all in the infirmary currently.

Balde doing good

But, it appears that Balde’s situation is nothing serious and his return to Barça from the Spain camp might be purely precautionary.

Balde arrived in Barcelona earlier today and was bombarded with questions when he landed at the airport.

When asked about his condition, the 19-year-old left-back replied (h/t El Chiringuito TV): “Good, very good.”

When probed if he thought the injury was serious, Balde replied: “Everything is fine.”

This will come as a relief to Barcelona as they would not want to lose one of their first-team regulars ahead of a tricky run of fixtures against the likes of Athletic Club, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Real Madrid.

Balde will undergo tests once he is back at the club’s training facilities after which a clearer picture of his situation should emerge.

An important player

Balde has become a permanent fixture in the Barcelona starting XI under Xavi Hernandez since last season. The 19-year-old has played in ten of the club’s 11 matches in all competitions this campaign, with one assist to his name.

Balde signed a new long-term contract until 2028 with the Catalans recently with the deal containing a mammoth €1 billion release clause.

The teenage left-back is also among the 25 finalists to win the 2023 Golden Boy Award.