Barcelona have suffered a setback in their pursuit of a historic quadruple after it was confirmed that defender Alejandro Balde has sustained a hamstring injury.
The Spanish international was forced off during Barcelona’s narrow 1-0 victory at Leganes on Saturday, a result that temporarily extended their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points before Real Madrid’s visit to Alaves on Sunday.
In an official statement issued on Sunday, April 13, the club revealed, “Tests carried out on Sunday morning on the first team player Alejandro Balde confirm that he has a distal injury to his left hamstring.”
While Barcelona did not provide an estimated recovery time, several Spanish media outlets have reported that the 21-year-old left-back is expected to be out of action for approximately three weeks.
As a result, Balde will miss Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Borussia Dortmund, and he is highly doubtful for the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on April 26.
The young defender will be aiming to return in time for the pivotal La Liga clash against Real Madrid on May 11. Should Barcelona progress, he may also be fit for the Champions League semi-finals.
Barcelona carry a commanding 4-0 aggregate lead into the return leg against Dortmund, keeping their hopes of a four-trophy season alive.
