Injured Barcelona duo spotted training on grass, close to full recovery – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have received an encouraging injury update just as the season moves into its most demanding stretch. Alejandro Balde and Eric Garcia were both back working on the grass on Tuesday, which is usually the clearest sign that a return is getting closer.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Balde and Eric took part in pitch-based recovery work during Barca’s first training session of the week at the Ciutat Esportiva. They completed accelerations, changes of rhythm, and ball work, even including shots on goal.

That is a strong sign from a Barcelona perspective. Players do not normally reach that stage unless the recovery is moving in the right direction, and this probably the first indication that Balde would be ready after the break. Eric, on the other hand, was always expected to be back.

With the internationals away, the session had a reduced first-team group. Gavi, Marc Casado and Wojciech Szczesny trained normally, joined by Barca Atletic regulars Tommy Marques and Alvaro Cortes, plus several Juvenil A players including Baba Kourouma, Roberto Tomas, Nuhu Fofana and Alex Gonzalez.

From a Barca point of view, Balde’s return could be especially important. The team have missed his natural width and pace badly on the left, while Eric’s recovery would give Hansi Flick another useful defensive option at a time when flexibility across the back line matters a lot.

In the absence of Balde and Kounde, Cancelo and Araujo, or Xavi Espart, have had to play in those roles and they have done an admirable job. Returning soon will help Flick out as he can rotate and give proper rest to the different options in each position.

It remains to be seen how long it takes before Balde and Eric receive the medical green light. Kounde and Frenkie shouldn’t be far out and let’s wait and see how things play out.