Barcelona hit with injury blow as 21-year-old player faces race against time for Copa del Rey final – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona did not find it very easy to get past Leganes in their last league match but were still able to win 1-0, thanks to an own goal from the defender Jorge Saenz at the start of the second half.

With this win, the Catalans remain four points clear of Real Madrid on the league table, after the Merengues themselves won 1-0 against Alaves on Sunday.

However, the Blaugranes had to pay quite a heavy price for their win, as they lost one of their key defender, Alejandro Balde, in that game. The Spaniard had to leave the pitch in the 41st minute after he went to the ground with a muscle injury and was replaced by Gerard Martin.

On Sunday, he underwent detailed tests at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, and according to Mundo Deportivo, a distal hamstring injury in his left thigh has now been confirmed.

While the medical statement published by the Catalan club did not specify the time period for his recovery, his participation in the upcoming Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on 26th April is currently in doubt.

Before that, he will also likely miss the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. Furthermore, he will also be unable to participate in the two La Liga games against Celta Vigo and Mallorca.

For now, Barcelona will be aiming for his return to the Copa final. However, no risks will be taken with such an important player, even for a final, to ensure he is able to participate without any problems in the other important games that the Catalans will have to play in the last stretch of the season.

Undoubtedly, Balde’s injury is a significant blow for Hansi Flick’s side, as he is one of the regular starters. Hopefully, he will be able to recover from this injury as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Gerard Martin will be covering for him in the upcoming matches.