Without Balde in the Champions semi-finals against Inter: what options does Barça have for the left-back position?

FC Barcelona, and in particular its coach Hansi Flick, faces a serious setback ahead of the return leg against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Beyond the challenge of playing at the Giuseppe Meazza, the 'Azulgrana' team will travel to Italy with significant absences at full-back: neither Alejandro Balde (distal injury to the biceps femoris of the left thigh) nor Jules Koundé (distal injury to the biceps femoris of the left thigh) have been called up due to their respective physical setbacks.

Flick's main question mark is at left-back. In the first leg, the German coach opted for the young academy player Gerard Martín, who noticeably suffered the ravages of the 'Nerazzurri' offensive. The first goal of Inter Milan in the first leg, scored by Marcus Thuram after a cross from Denzel Dumfries from the right, came precisely from that flank. Faced with this situation, the German coach opted in the second half to reorganize the defense: Ronald Araujo moved to the center alongside Pau Cubarsí, while Iñigo Martínez moved to the left-back position.

Who will cover the 'Culés' left-back position in the match against Inter?

Gerard Martín, a new opportunity?

Due to his natural characteristics, Gerard Martín remains the most logical option. He comes from a good performance against Real Valladolid (1-2), where he was even chosen as MVP of the match. However, the context of a UEFA Champions League semi-final at the Giuseppe Meazza is very different, and his starting position seems to falter.

Iñigo Martínez, a viable option to explore

The most conservative alternative would be to repeat what was done in the first leg: place Iñigo Martínez at left-back. Although it is not his usual position and his contribution at the offensive level is not similar to that of Alejandro Balde, who has too many characteristics of a winger, his experience and defensive solidity could be key to stopping a Dumfries who constantly projects himself in attack.

Ronald Araujo, an emergency variant

Another option would be to use Ronald Araujo in that sector. Although the Uruguayan is a center-back or occasional right-back, he has already stated that he is willing to play on the left if Hansi Flick considers it necessary. Although it is an unusual alternative, it cannot be ruled out.

Héctor Fort or Landry Farré, unlikely solutions

Among the less viable options are Héctor Fort, a right-back who has shown he can adapt to the left, and Landry Farré, who has not even debuted with the first team. The latter would only be considered in case of absolute emergency.

Change of defensive system for Barça against Inter Milan?

Given the problem with the full-backs, it would not be surprising if FC Barcelona opts for a change of system. A line of three center-backs with Iñigo Martínez, Pau Cubarsí and Ronald Araujo, accompanied by two wing-backs, could be Hansi Flick's unprecedented formula to face Inter Milan. A risky approach, but one that responds to the reality of the absences in defense.