Barcelona defender unable to train normally during pre-season due to troubling injury | OneFootball

It has been 11 days since the Barcelona first team squad returned for the start of their pre-season schedule, and while it has been gruelling at times for all of the players under Hansi Flick’s watchful eye, one in particular is taking a tough time: Alejandro Balde.

In recent weeks, there has been strong speculation surrounding Balde’s future, especially as Joao Cancelo is close to returning to Barcelona on a permanent basis. However, that is the least of his problems right now, as he’s been unable to train at full capacity in recent days – and this has led to him being put on an individual workload plan.

Balde has not been able to train with his teammates, and while no injury was initially reported, Diario AS have now revealed that the left-back is suffering with pubalgia. The issue, which greatly affected Lamine Yamal for multiple months during last season, has been stifling, and it’s led to him working to mitigate the discomfort that has plagued him for around a week.

Balde could still be involved in Birmingham City friendly

Despite this, the report goes on to say that Balde is expected to travel with the Barcelona squad for Monday’s pre-season friendly against English club Birmingham City. There is even a chance that he plays some minutes, although everything will depend on whether Flick is comfortable utilising a player that is not at 100%.

Pre-season has not been straightforward for Barcelona, who are going in search for their third La Liga title in a row during the 2026-27 season. As well as Balde, there are also injury concerns about returning pair Ronald Araujo and Raphinha, both of whom saw their playing time at the 2026 World Cup affected by muscle issues – these are not yet fully cleared, although the hope is that they will soon.