Barcelona Faces Injury Woes Ahead of Champions League Clash

BARCELONA, Spain — FC Barcelona is grappling with injury concerns just three days before their crucial UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match against Borussia Dortmund. Lateral defender Alejandro Balde signaled for a substitution in the 41st minute of the match against an unnamed opponent due to discomfort.

Balde sustained the injury during a play involving his opponent Alti. Medical staff attended to him on the field, but he was unable to continue the match. Gerard Martín, who was warming up on the sidelines, quickly took his place.

As the team awaits news on the severity of Balde’s condition, they face an uphill battle for recovery. Following the match at Butarque, the squad will return to Barcelona early Sunday morning before traveling to Dortmund on Monday.

In addition to Balde’s unknown status, head coach Hansi Flick is already missing key players. A total of four squad members, including Dani Olmo, Casadó, Marc Bernal, and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, will be absent for the matchup. Olmo is reportedly nearing full recovery and participated in the last two training sessions, although the coach decided to let him heal further in Barcelona after suffering a right adductor injury in a previous game against Osasuna.

The timing of these injuries poses a significant challenge for Barcelona as they aim to advance in the Champions League. Balde’s performance has been crucial to the team’s defensive strategies, and any potential absence would significantly impact their game plan against a formidable opponent.