Alejandro Balde
BAR
Drops in hierarchy
Balde played 12 minutes across all competitions for Barcelona in the first stretch of the 2026/27 campaign as he now remains behind Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo in the left back pecking order.
Analysis: Balde is not dealing with an injury, but manager Hansi Flick has instead preferred 19-year-old academy product Xavi Espart and veteran Joao Cancelo at left back to open the season. He remained an unused squad member during six of the seven games he was available for, playing 12 little minutes against Racing Santander, creating one chance. Barring a change in form from the players ahead of him or an injury to one of them, his path back into the regular XI looks difficult in the near term.
Returns to squad Thursday
Balde will return to Barcelona's squad for Thursday's clash against Athletic Club, though his involvement in the match remains uncertain, according to coach Hansi Flick, per Barca Universal."He's part of the squad for tomorrow, so we'll decide tomorrow whether he plays or not."
Analysis: Balde returns to the squad after being left out of the season opener against Elche due to a technical decision, but it remains unclear whether he will see the field Thursday. Manager Hansi Flick said he will decide later whether the 22-year-old plays while emphasizing the need for full commitment amid continued uncertainty surrounding his situation. Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart remain alternative options at left-back if Balde does not feature.
Left out of squad for Elche opener
Balde is not part of Barcelona's squad for tonight's season opener against Elche, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Analysis: Balde's exclusion is a technical decision from coach Hansi Flick rather than something requested by the player, and it comes with his long term future at the club still unresolved. Flick had already indicated a day earlier that the left back's situation would remain unclear until the end of the transfer window, while also challenging him to compete for a starting role. Joao Cancelo and Gerard Martin are the favorites to start at left back in his absence.
Plays in offseason match
Balde (groin) participated in Saturday's practice matchup against Udinese.
Analysis: Balde has regained fitness and is an option for the initial stages of the 2026/27 campaign, but given the tricky nature of pubalgia issues, he might see his workload managed if he feels pain again at some point. The wide player should be a settled starter at left-back if he maintains a convincing level throughout the season. In that case, he'll attempt to improve on his previous La Liga numbers of 23 chances created, 28 crosses (six accurate), 35 tackles (23 won) and two assists across 28 appearances.
Managing pubalgia issue
Balde (pubalgia) has been dealing with pubalgia and has trained separately from the group for almost a week, according to Barca Universal.
Analysis: Balde is not currently a concern for the club, which expects him to be fully fit for the start of LaLiga. He is set to travel with the squad to England and could feature in the upcoming friendly against Birmingham City. His individual training suggests a measured approach to managing the issue rather than a serious setback. Balde is expected to be reintegrated into full training as Barcelona's preseason progresses.
Two tackles in loss
Alex Balde registered two tackles (two won) and one clearance in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat against Deportivo Alaves.
Analysis: Balde made a pair of tackles during Wednesday's loss, a bit of a write-off as Barcelona came off a La Liga title win in El Clasico last time out. Balde had a day to forget, but with the title wrapped up it's likely Barcelona will rest and rotate during the final matches of the campaign.
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