After a spectacular breakout last season, Alejandro Balde has not been able to replicate his success this time out because of an injury he sustained earlier in the year.
The marauding full-back picked up an injury during the Copa del Rey match between Athletic Club at San Mames.
Balde started the game but had to be substituted by Hector Fort after just 22 minutes. Tests afterwards showed that the youngster suffered an injury to the tendon in his right hamstring that required surgery.
While the Catalan giants have sorely missed his defensive assurance on the left flank in big games this season, his involvement for Spain in the upcoming Euro is not a distant possibility.
Return in sight
Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo, Balde’s season with Barcelona has ended, but he is not excluded from the Euros this summer.
The tournament kicks off in Munich on Friday 14 June and ends with the final in Berlin on Sunday 14 July.
With approximately a month to regain full fitness, there are chances of him recovering in time to join the Spanish national team.
The medical team is working closely with him, and he remains focused on regaining peak conditions, with recent images posted on social media suggesting that he is entering the final phase of his recovery.
If Balde’s rehabilitation goes as planned, he could still play a crucial role in Spain’s quest for the title under the leadership of coach Luis de la Fuente.
However, Barcelona would want to proceed cautiously with his comeback, considering previous relapses caused by returning from injuries too soon and the intense demands of international football.
Nonetheless, he is expected to be a key part of Xavi Hernandez’s plans next summer, with Joao Cancelo’s future up in the air.
