Barcelona receive positive injury update ahead of Clasico clash with Real Madrid

Barcelona have received a positive injury update for left-back Alejandro Balde ahead of the weekend’s El Clasico clash with Real Madrid, as he recovers in time to participate in the league.

Balde have been missing in seven games due to a hamstring injuryin his left leg sustained since April 13.

The Spanish international missed Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final clash against Inter in midweek after failing to prove his left leg.

However, according to Spanish journalist Javier Miguel, he is expected to feature in El Clasico this Sunday after rejoining group training, with additional individual sessions planned.

The 21-year-old is now on track for a timely return, having missed both legs of the semi-final.

The full-back, who has registered one goal and 10 assists in 43 appearances for Barcelona this season, is now poised for a return to the squad, and is likely to play a role for Barcelona over the weekend.

Barcelona sit four points clear of Real Madrid in La Liga, and a win this weekend will put them on the verge of securing the league title. Despite that, a Madrid win would narrow the gap to just one point, setting up a tense finish.

The 21-year-old is now on track for a timely return, having missed both legs of the Champions League semi-final(Image credit: Getty Images)

Head coach Hansi Flick was forced to make adjustments in Balde’s absence. In the Champions League clash against Inter, the German coach had to reshuffle things at the back, with Inigo Martínez at left centre-back, and Gerard Martínez slotting in as the left-back.

🚨🚨🌕| Eric Garcia and Iñigo Martinez will be FIT for El Clasico.

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— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) May 7, 2025

Defensively, Barcelona have struggled to keep it tight. Having scored 163 goals in all competitions this season, more than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues.

They have conceded 66 goals, and Flick will hope the return to fitness of Balde, who will likely come up against Rodrygo if he starts, will help keep Carlo Ancelotti’s men out.

However, Balde is likely to start on the bench, with Gerard Martin expected to retain his spot after a series of convincing performances in recent fixtures.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick is expected to go for the same defensive set-up used in the second leg against Inter, after receiving an injury boost in Martinez’s fitness.

With the treble dream now over after their disappointing midweek defeat to Inter Milan, Barcelona will shift their full focus to La Liga, trying to finish the season as champions.

The latest clash is viewed as a defining moment in the season for the league leaders. After Sunday’s Clasico, the Catalans finish the campaign with games against Espanyol, Villarreal, and Athletic Club.