Barcelona star returns to full training under Hansi Flick in pre-season | OneFootball

The first training session held by new Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick gave rise to some altogether positive news for those of a Blaugrana persuasion.

This came in the form of confirmation that a leading member of the club’s defensive ranks is closing on an imminent return to the pitch.

The player in question? Alejandro Balde.

Defender Balde, for his part, has not taken to the pitch since all the way back in January.

As much comes owing to a hamstring injury suffered during a Copa del Rey meeting with Athletic Club, which saw the 20-year-old subsequently forced under the knife.

Safe to say, then, that word of his return will no doubt come as music to the ears of all of a Barcelona persuasion.

As per a report from Mundo Deportivo:

‘In his first session under Flick, Balde was seen training with the rest of his teammates, showing that he has fully recovered from the disinsertion he suffered in the femoral biceps of his right leg and which forced him to undergo surgery.’

Balde is now expected to ramp up his fitness levels, ahead of acting as the first-choice left-back option in Hansi Flick’s squad for the season ahead.

Conor Laird | GSFN