Barcelona managed to overcome a tough challenge against Leganés at the Butarque Stadium, securing a hard-fought 1–0 victory to continue their progress in the La Liga title race.
The Catalan side is now preparing to face German club Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, after dominating the first leg with an emphatic 4–0 win.
Spanish outlet AS has revealed the expected duration of left-back Alejandro Balde’s absence after he sustained an injury during Barça’s league match against Leganés on Saturday evening.
According to the report, Balde will be unavailable to Barça manager Hansi Flick for a period of two to three weeks, following medical tests that confirmed a hamstring injury in his left leg.
Balde had previously suffered a similar injury to his right knee last year, which required surgical intervention. Based on this latest update, it will be impossible for him to be fit in time for the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.
As a result, Balde will definitely miss Barcelona’s second-leg clash with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarterfinals, as well as La Liga fixtures against Celta Vigo and Real Mallorca. Additionally, his participation in El Clásico at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville is ruled out.
AS also noted that Barcelona will not risk Balde in the cup final, even if there’s a slim chance of his return. Therefore, his most realistic comeback date would be the first leg of the Champions League semifinals, should Barcelona progress.