Injured Barcelona youngster back early from vacation to speed up recovery

Alejandro Balde has bedazzled Europe at the tender age of 19. With a meteoric rise to the first team following his breakthrough last season, he has already established himself as Barcelona’s primary left-back.

The Golden Boy nominee took over Jordi Alba’s throne seamlessly and became the club’s first-choice left-back last season and will carry on with the responsibility next term, that is once he recovers from his injury.

And, Mundo Deportivo have come out to claim that Balde is pushing himself to regain full fitness. In an effort to be fully recovered for the start of the pre-season, the player cut short his vacation time and has been working out by himself at the Ciutat Esportiva this week.

Balde sustained a serious ankle injury towards the backend of the 2022/23 season during a game against Mallorca. Amath Ndiaye’s challenge resulted in a partial tear of the lateral ligament in the Spaniard’s right ankle, causing a bittersweet ending to the season.

However, with his sights set on the upcoming pre-season tour, Balde is itching to make it in time for the campaign as he will be granted the opportunity to play against some of Europe’s top clubs, albeit in a friendly environment.

As per the report, throughout this week, Balde has worked out by himself in an effort to return to full strength as quickly as possible. Cutting his vacation short implies a willingness to get back into rhythm on an immediate basis, which is something the club always appreciate.

The 19-year-old player will unquestionably start for FC Barcelona on the left flank. Balde’s current contract with the club expires in 2024 but talks are advanced over a new deal until 2027 and an official announcement is not very far.