Key Barcelona star resumes group training; unlikely to return for next two games | OneFootball

Barcelona’s defence has faced several setbacks at the beginning of this season.

At the end of the summer window, Inigo Martinez left for Saudi Arabia, a move that surprised Hansi Flick. Shortly afterwards, on 3 September, Alejandro Balde was injured during training, and last week, Pau Cubarsi suffered a knock against Newcastle.

Balde resumes group training

But, there is some good news on that front for the Blaugrana as SPORT reports that Balde has resumed training with the rest of the squad today.

Balde sustained a minor injury in the femoral biceps of the left leg, an area considered delicate due to his history of muscular problems. For this reason, caution is being exercised in setting a timetable for his competitive return.

The left-back is recovering well and rejoined the squad to train with his team-mates for the first time since the injury.

Return getting closer. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Although he trained normally, he is still not available for selection against Real Oviedo and it is highly unlikely that he will play against Real Sociedad.

Tuesday marked three weeks since the injury, and the estimated recovery period was set at between three and four weeks, meaning the timing is tight.

The target date for his return, if progress continues, is 1 October, when Barcelona will face Paris Saint-Germain in the second match of the Champions League group stage. In any case, his recovery is on track.

Meanwhile, Pau Cubarsi, who was forced off against Newcastle with a knee knock, has been training cautiously.

Although he was included in the squad list against Getafe, he did not feature in the 3-0 victory at Estadi Johan Cruyff. The teenage defender has now rejoined full training and is expected to be available for the trip to Oviedo.