Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde fitness mystery leaves left-back position exposed

Barcelona are facing a potential problem at left-back before the start of the new season, with Alejandro Balde unable to feature in any of the club’s pre-season matches and Joao Cancelo still negotiating over a return to Camp Nou.

Balde has been unable to train normally throughout the preparation period because of physical problems, leaving uncertainty over whether he will be ready to play when the competitive campaign begins.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the 21-year-old has not been involved for a single minute in any of Barcelona’s three pre-season fixtures so far. He missed the friendly against Birmingham and was also absent from the two other trial matches played by Hansi Flick’s side during their preparations.

The lack of clear information about Balde’s condition has made it difficult to establish the precise nature of the problem. There is uncertainty over whether he is dealing with a back issue linked to a hernia – an injury he has suffered in the past – or pain in the pubic area.

The latter possibility would be considered more concerning, although the report does not provide confirmation of one diagnosis over the other. The continuing silence surrounding the defender’s fitness has therefore increased the doubt around Barcelona’s plans for the position.

Barcelona’s situation is also linked to the future of Cancelo. The Portugal international remains in talks over a possible return to the club, where he spent last season on loan. His arrival previously affected Balde’s status in the team, with the young defender losing his regular starting place after Cancelo joined.

Balde also missed out on the World Cup, adding to a period in which his progress has been interrupted. He now faces another uncertain build-up to the season, although the extent of his current problem and his potential recovery timeline remain unclear.

For Flick, the left-back position is consequently one of the areas requiring attention before the season gets under way. Cancelo’s possible return would offer an experienced alternative, but negotiations are still continuing, while Balde’s inability to take part in pre-season has prevented him from building match fitness or demonstrating that he is ready to reclaim a starting role.

The situation has left Barcelona approaching the new campaign with an anticipated gap in the squad. Until there is greater clarity over Balde’s physical condition, the club cannot be certain how much it can rely on him, while Cancelo’s future remains unresolved.