Barcelona first-team regular ruled out of Copa Del Rey final due to injury – report | OneFootball

Earlier in the day, Barcelona confirmed the injury of Alejandro Balde, who picked up a hamstring knock in the recent win over Leganes.

Reports suggest the defender could be out for at least three weeks, which makes him a doubt heading into the Copa Del Rey final against Real Madrid, to be played later in the month.

Balde ruled out for the Copa Del Rey final

A recent report from RAC1 has now confirmed that Balde is indeed going to miss out on the Copa Del Rey final.

The report adds that he has a distal injury to the biceps femoris of his left thigh, with Barcelona not offering any specific return date.

Balde’s absence could turn out to be a massive blow for Barcelona, considering the fact that the Spaniard has been one of the team’s most consistent performers this season.

Balde won’t be available at Flick’s disposal in Copa Del Rey final. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

Balde’s pace and technical abilities have played a key role in making Barcelona effective going forward.

But with him ruled out, coach Hansi Flick may have no option but to rely on the services of youngster Gerard Martin.

The La Masia graduate has not disappointed playing as a second-fiddle to Balde this season. But he has to step up his game if he is to establish himself as a trusted alternative for Balde.

Especially with Barça gearing up for tough opponents such as Real Madrid and potentially Bayern Munich in the UCL semifinals, Martin will face the biggest challenge of his career.

Balde’s injury could also be a reminder to Barcelona that the club must go after a viable alternative for the youngster next summer, preferably someone with a bit more experience than Martin.