Balde available for Athletic Club match as Flick outlines Barcelona expectations

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that Alejandro Balde will be included in the squad for Thursday’s match against Athletic Club, offering the left-back a route back into the first-team picture after he was left out against Elche.

Balde’s future at Barcelona has been the subject of uncertainty. The 22-year-old was omitted from the squad for Sunday’s La Liga fixture against Elche, with reports suggesting he had fallen outside Flick’s plans for the current season.

Those reports also indicated that Barcelona were waiting for an offer for the defender, amid interest from Manchester United.

However, Flick said on Wednesday that Balde would be available for the trip to face Athletic Club. The German coach stopped short of confirming whether the player would feature, saying the final decision would be made on the day of the game.

“He is in the squad tomorrow. I will decide then whether he plays or not,” Flick said at his pre-match news conference.

The announcement marks a significant change from Balde’s position at the weekend. Flick explained his decision to leave the player out of the squad for the Elche game by saying Balde needed to “clear his mind”.

Flick has now sought to place the focus on the defender’s commitment to Barcelona rather than speculation over his status or future.

“I have spoken to him, and the most important thing is that he is 100% committed to us. He is 22 years old, and he is young. He has great potential, and his first season here was excellent, but he can develop further,” he said.

The manager also highlighted Balde’s connection with the club, pointing to his development through Barcelona’s academy.

“He comes from La Masia, and his heart is full of Barcelona colours,” Flick added.

At the same time, Flick stressed that promotion to the senior team brought clear responsibilities. He said Balde needed to remain focused on his development and meet the standards expected of a first-team player.

“He has to be here and develop,” Flick said.

He also used Balde’s situation to address players in Barcelona’s youth system who are hoping to make the same step into the senior squad.

“Every year, three or four players come from La Masia to here and they also want to play. They have to be totally committed to professional football,” he said.

Balde will therefore be available for selection against Athletic Club and could return to Flick’s plans after being excluded at the weekend. Whether he starts, appears as a substitute or remains unused will be decided on Thursday.