Reason why Hansi Flick called up young defender for Brest clash | OneFootball

Alejandro Balde’s inclusion was a major positive surprise for Barcelona as they announced their final squad list vs Brest earlier today.

The left-back has made the team and could be in contention to play tonight, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise.

Balde has recovered from hamstring problem

According to an update issued by Diario AS, Balde’s inclusion came on the back of his quick recovery from injury.

The report suggests that the young left-back has recovered from a hamstring problem that kept him out of action against Celta Vigo.

This is a major positive for Barcelona, who are going through a tough period and require all their best players to be available.

Will Balde feature against Brest tonight? (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

Will Balde start against Brest?

Despite his inclusion in the squad, however, Hansi Flick is unlikely to hand a starting role to Alejandro Balde tonight.

Despite completing Monday’s session with positive sensation, Flick is likely to remain cautious in regards to Balde’s fitness.

Therefore, the Spaniard is unlikely to start against Brest. Flick will thus continue with alternatives, with Hector Fort and Gerard Martin vying for a place at left-back.

Fort performed superbly in the Celta Vigo on Saturday and has reportedly moved up in Flick’s pecking order.

Keeping that in mind, it won’t be surprising to see the youngster getting the nod ahead of Martin in the left-back position tonight.

However, there might be a possibility Balde could feature later in the proceedings, as Flick looks to hand him some minutes before Barcelona take on Las Palmas this weekend.