Flick has total confidence in Barcelona youngster set to step in for first-team starter | OneFootball

Barcelona have been recently hit with the injury of Alejandro Balde, a key component in Hansi Flick’s defensive scheme and one of the most ever-present figures in the Barça team this season.

The Spanish international has picked up a hamstring injury, which will keep him out on the sidelines for at least three weeks. It could, therefore, force him out of key matches, including the upcoming Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.

Balde’s injury has put Flick in deep trouble, with Barcelona lacking any real depth in the left-back position. The German, therefore, has no option but to deploy Gerard Martin, who has been largely playing second-fiddle to Balde this season.

Flick has full faith in Martin

Although Gerard Martin has not been bad whenever given the opportunity, he hasn’t been extraordinary either, which has led to doubts on whether or not he can help Barcelona maintain their consistency in the coming weeks.

Can Gerard Martin successfully step in for Alejandro Balde? (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

But as per reports from SPORT, Flick has full faith in Martin’s abilities and will back the Spaniard to play a crucial role for Barcelona in the coming weeks.

Indeed, the report suggests Martin will play a key role in the Barcelona defence, at least till the time Balde is sidelined.

This comes in the midst of reports suggesting Flick is considering calling up another La Masia graduate, Jofre Torrents, to first-team training, following the injury to Balde.

Nevertheless, Martin’s first real test after the Balde setback could be this week against Borussia Dortmund.

After a 4-0 defeat in the first leg, the Bundesliga giants will have nothing to lose and are likely to come all guns blazing at Signal Iduna Park.

How well Martin maintains his composure against the Black and Yellows will be interesting to see.