Alejandro Balde gets another chance to revive Barcelona career after Espart injury

Alejandro Balde has been handed an unexpected opportunity to revive his Barcelona season after Xavi Espart’s injury in the clasico against Real Madrid altered manager Hansi Flick’s plans at left-back.

Espart could be sidelined for longer than initially expected, with the injury potentially keeping him out for up to two months. His absence has opened the door for Balde, who had effectively fallen out of Flick’s plans during the past several months.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the 22-year-old now has the chance to regain his standing and demonstrate that he deserves a greater role in the team.

Balde has played only 88 minutes this season, spread across three appearances. Two of those came in La Liga, against Racing Santander and Real Madrid, while the other was in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Spain left-back was previously an important part of Barcelona’s squad, but his position in the pecking order declined towards the end of last season, when he was behind Joao Cancelo among the available options. His future at the club was also questioned during the summer transfer window.

Several Premier League clubs were reported to be monitoring his situation, and a departure from Barcelona appeared possible. Balde nevertheless chose to remain at the Catalan club and fight to win back his place.

Flick had already told the defender that he needed to make progress. The German manager also made that message public, calling for improvement both in Balde’s performances and in his commitment to the demands of professional football.

The Barcelona manager believed Balde was no longer developing as expected and still had significant room to improve, although his physical and technical ability was never in question.

Tensions reached their highest point before Barcelona began their La Liga campaign against Elche. Flick left Balde out of the squad for technical reasons, while Espart started at left-back and used the opportunity to impress the manager.

Further discussions between Flick and Balde later eased the situation. The player accepted the challenge of rebuilding the manager’s confidence, but Flick’s position remained unchanged. Known for standing by his ideas and convictions, he continued to insist that Balde must raise his level and prove he is ready to compete for a starting place.

The manager has also placed particular importance on the defender’s behaviour and commitment, meaning Balde’s opportunity will depend on more than his ability on the pitch.

The accompanying fixture information lists Barcelona in La Liga against Deportivo Alaves on 31 October 2026. Racing Santander and Real Madrid are listed in La Liga on 01 November 2026.