Alejandro Balde returns to training with Barça: will he make it to the Clásico against Real Madrid?

Great news for FC Barcelona ahead of the commitment next Sunday, May 11 against Real Madrid and, of course, ahead of the close of the 2024/25 season. After the bitter pill of elimination in the Champions League against Inter Milan (4-3 on aggregate), Hansi Flick's team have resumed training with a view to the Clásico. And they have done so with a very positive novelty: the return to the group of Alejandro Balde.

Thursday's session, of a regenerative and compensatory nature, took place on the Tito Vilanova pitch and included all the first team players available. The main novelty was the incorporation to the work with the group of Alejandro Balde, left back who was on the list of injured players and did a part of the training. His return is great news for the 'culé' team, as it opens the door to a possible medical discharge in the coming days.

Balde Injury: What type of injury prevented him from playing?

It should be remembered that Alejandro Balde was injured on April 12 during the match against CD Leganés at Butarque (0-1). He had to leave the field in the 41st minute after a clash with Adrià Altimira, which caused him immediate discomfort. Subsequent medical studies confirmed that he was suffering from a distal injury to the biceps femoris of his left thigh.

Although no exact time of absence was established, it was estimated that he would be out for at least a couple of weeks. However, his recovery has been extended a little longer, and almost four weeks have passed since that injury.

Seven games out and a possible key reappearance

During his absence, the '3' has missed seven official matches:

1. Borussia Dortmund 3-1 FC Barcelona (second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals)
2. FC Barcelona 4-3 Celta de Vigo (matchday 32 of LaLiga EA Sports)
3. FC Barcelona 1-0 RCD Mallorca (matchday 33 of LaLiga EA Sports)
4. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (Copa del Rey final)
5. FC Barcelona 3-3 Inter Milan (first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals)
6. Real Valladolid 1-2 FC Barcelona (matchday 34 of LaLiga EA Sports)
7. Inter Milan 4-3 FC Barcelona (second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals)

From this return of Alejandro Balde, the coaching staff will evaluate his evolution during the next training sessions. Hansi Flick will have to decide if he can count on him as a starting full-back for the important clash against Real Madrid.

Now, if the left-back is finally not medically cleared in time, everything points to the youth player Gerard Martín being a starter again at full-back. The young defender has replaced Alejandro Balde in these last duels, leaving an acceptable performance, although with natural ups and downs.