Barcelona will make final call on key defender’s availability for Brest after today’s training

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Barca Universal

·25 November 2024

Barcelona will make final call on key defender’s availability for Brest after today’s training

Alejandro Balde’s availability for Barcelona’s upcoming match against Stade Brest in the Champions League will be decided today, according to the latest update from Mundo Deportivo.

Balde, who was absent from training on Sunday, had already missed the match against Celta Vigo on Saturday, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Despite travelling with the squad, Balde was ruled out due to discomfort in his hamstring.

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The left-back had not participated in Thursday’s closed-door training session but returned to the field on Friday.

However, Hansi Flick opted not to include him in the starting lineup against Celta, choosing instead to field Gerard Martin. Martin had a yellow card and was struggling, so he was substituted at half-time by Hector Fort.

Balde will be assessed today

As quoted by the outlet, Balde’s condition will be assessed again during training on Monday at Ciutat Esportiva, where it will be determined whether he is fit enough to play in the Champions League match against Brest on Tuesday.

Alejandro Balde did not feature against Celta Vigo. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

Following the training session, both Flick and Inigo Martinez will attend a press conference to discuss their preparations for the upcoming match.

It must be noted that Balde started on the bench for the recent La Liga loss against Osasuna, which saw Barcelona suffer their first defeat of the 2024-25 season with a 2-4 scoreline.

Balde came on in the 70th minute with the team trailing 2-1, but it was not enough to turn the game around.

The situation at left-back remains tricky for Barcelona, as there is no clear replacement for Balde, unlike last season when players like Marcos Alonso and Joao Cancelo could step in when needed.

Now, as Barcelona prepare for their upcoming fixtures, the fitness of key players like Balde will be crucial to their success, especially as they aim to make an impact in both domestic and European competitions.