Barcelona defensive ace targeting a return for CL semi-finals after injury setback | OneFootball

Barcelona were dealt a major setback this past weekend against Leganes as they lost key defender Alejandro Balde to an injury.

The club confirmed that the 21-year-old left-back had done some damage to his hamstring which will keep him out of action for a period of three weeks.

Soon enough, reports emerged confirming that Balde will not be able to make it back in time to face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on April 26.

A return likely for Champions League semi-finals

Building on that, Mundo Deportivo now reports that a realistic target for Balde’s return is the second leg of the potential Champions League semi-finals, scheduled for 6 or 7 May.

Balde is understood to have suffered a distal injury to the biceps femoris in his left thigh during the match against Leganes. And unless he makes an exceptionally rapid recovery, he will not be available for the cup final vs Real Madrid.

Despite the significance of the final against their arch-rivals, Barcelona’s medical staff and coaching team are prioritising the player’s long-term fitness.

Out for three weeks. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

The goal is to have Balde fully fit for the crucial final stretch of the season, which could still include the Champions League and La Liga title races.

The Blaugrana will face Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals tomorrow, with a place in the semi-finals almost guaranteed after a 4-0 win in the first leg.

As for La Liga, Hansi Flick’s side have a four-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid. Barcelona will face Carlo Ancelotti’s men in the Clasico on May 11 – a fixture that could well decide the title race.

As per the report, Balde is determined not to miss that match. So, the plan could be for the La Masia gem to return in the UCL semi-final first leg and gain some rhythm heading into the Clasico.

So far this season, Balde has made 43 appearances for Barcelona, providing 10 assists and scoring one goal, which came in the Spanish Super Cup final as Barcelona won 5-2 against Real Madrid.