According to Mundo Deportivo, Alejandro Balde could receive an unexpected opportunity to revive his season as Barcelona manager Hansi Flick considers his defensive options ahead of the Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain.
The academy left-back has played just 12 minutes this season, but injuries to Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia have increased the pressure on Flick to find solutions across his backline.
With Barcelona preparing for one of their toughest European assignments, Balde has emerged as a possible option despite his limited involvement in recent months.
A starting role remains unlikely, but the situation has opened a door for the academy graduate at a time when Barcelona need greater flexibility in defence.
Kounde and Eric Garcia injuries leave Flick with decisions to make
Barcelona’s defensive problems have arrived at an awkward moment.
Kounde and Garcia offered crucial defensive security, with their ability to compete in one-on-one situations and provide width down the flanks forming an important part of Flick’s tactical setup.
Alejandro Balde has played just 12 minutes this season. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
Their absence means the German coach must reassess his available personnel before facing PSG on matchday three of the Champions League group stage.
Flick needs a backline capable of handling the French side’s attacking threat without sacrificing Barcelona’s ability to build attacks and stretch the opposition.
As such, Balde, whose future is still a big question, is among the players who could benefit from that reshuffle.
However, his lack of recent playing time makes the decision complicated, particularly given the quality of the opposition and the demands of a high-stakes European fixture.
Balde faces chance to end Barcelona exile
The scale of Balde’s limited involvement is clear from his recent appearances.
He has not started a match since Barcelona’s final LaLiga fixture of last season, when they lost 1-3 away to Valencia on 23 May after already securing the league title.
Balde could get a chance to impress Hansi Flick against PSG. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
His involvement in Europe has been even more restricted, as Balde has gone three consecutive Champions League matches without playing, having last featured for four minutes in the first leg against Atletico Madrid on 8 April, when Barcelona suffered a 0-2 defeat.
A potential start against PSG would therefore be a significant change in his standing within Flick’s plans, giving the defender an opportunity to demonstrate that he can contribute during a crucial stretch of the campaign.
Flick needs solutions before crucial PSG test
Barcelona cannot afford to let their injury problems dictate the entire approach to the match.
Flick will have to balance the need to protect his defence with the importance of maintaining the attacking width and individual quality that his system demands.
Balde offers one possible solution, although selecting him from the start would carry its own risks given his lack of minutes.
Ultimately, the final decision will depend on Flick’s assessment of the available alternatives and the balance he wants across the backline.