Full-back Alejandro Balde, who has not appeared in the starting eleven since May 23, could receive a new opportunity at Barcelona following the injury to Xavi Espart and the uncertainty surrounding Jules Koundé. Coach HansiFlick, who had ruled out the young youth squad during the summer, seems willing to give the 23-year-old a second chance, especially now that the team needs to strengthen its defensive line.
Before the first day of the season, Flick explained in a press conference that he had spoken with Balde and that, although the player was not 100% fit, the coach had decided to keep him at the club. "I have told him to think and clarify his ideas. Tomorrow we will talk again," commented the coach. This message gave Balde the opportunity to demonstrate his value in the upcoming matches, although the coach had not confirmed his participation in the initial match against Elche.
Ten days later, with Espart injured and Koundé in doubt, Flick had already opted for Balde in the Classic, bringing him on when Espart was injured after being trampled by Tchouaméni. This decision suggests that the coach is confident in the full-back's ability to cover the right lane, whether replacing Cancelo or BrianFariñas. The last time Balde started a match was on May 23, at the close of the season at the Mestalla, when Barça beat Valencia 3-1 and the player completed the 90 minutes.
Since then, Balde has not been called up on the first day of LaLiga and has been a substitute in seven games without registering any minutes of play. His only recent playing time was 12 minutes in the 7‑2 win against Racing at the CampNou and 16 minutes against PSG at the Parc des Princes. His future in the winter market remains uncertain, but his performance in the next game against Alavés, scheduled for Saturday at 9 p.m., will be decisive in convincing Flick that he can return to the starting lineup.
If Balde manages to win the match against Alavés, he could regain his place in the starting eleven and consolidate his position in the team. Otherwise, his future will remain up in the air, although the possibility of a second chance remains open as long as he demonstrates his best level in the next appointment.