Key Barcelona defender suffering from an ankle problem, unlikely to play against Osasuna | OneFootball

FC Barcelona endured a gruelling last night as they faced the Portuguese side SL Benfica in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash.

Although the Blaugranes ultimately got a 0-1 win in this game, the whole team had to put its heart out on the pitch to make up for the numerical disadvantage they faced after Pau Cubarsi’s expulsion in the 22nd minute.

As a result, all the players were left exhausted with fatigue after the full-time whistle, but the full-back Alejandro Balde was the one player most affected at the end of this game.

The Spaniard was clearly struggling by the time the game reached its latter stages, and Hansi Flick also noticed his difficulties and positioned him as a winger to decrease his burdens a bit.

However, it was not only fatigue that was keeping Balde from performing at his best level in this stage of the game, as SPORT reports that he was also suffering from the effects of a strong blow to the ankle, and thus he is a doubt for the upcoming La Liga game against Osasuna.

There is not a lot of time for recovery for this game, as it is scheduled to be played on Saturday. As a result, there is a good possibility that Hansi Flick will decide to sit him out for this game so he is ready to face the Portuguese side in the second leg of the Round of 16 tie next week.

However, he will not be the only player who can be rested by the German coach for the upcoming game. Pedri revealed after the game that he was suffering from cramps and Inigo Martinez also suffered a blow to his knee in the last night’s game, while also having to work extra hard to keep his side ahead of the hosts.

Other Barcelona players like Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong were also visibly fatigued, and thus, Flick will be looking to field a fresher side against a team that had already gotten the better of them in the first half of the season in La Liga.