Barcelona's Spanish defender #03 Alex Balde reacts after missing a chance to score during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, on April 5, 2025. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP)
Barcelona: Barcelona were dealt a blow in their quadruple chase on Sunday as defender Alejandro Balde was diagnosed with a hamstring injury.
Spain's Balde was taken off in Barca's 1-0 win at Leganes on Saturday which gave them a seven-point lead in La Liga before second-place Real Madrid visit Alaves on Sunday.
"Tests carried out on Sunday morning on the first team player Alejandro Balde confirm that he has a distal injury to his left hamstring," said Barcelona in a statement.
The Catalan giants did not specify the length of Balde's expected absence but Spanish media reports suggest he will be sidelined for three weeks.
The 21-year-old left-back will not be able to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-final second leg on Tuesday and is a serious doubt for the Copa del Rey final with Real Madrid on April 26.
Balde will hope to return by the time Barca face arch-rivals Madrid in La Liga on May 11, or before to potentially participate in the Champions League semi-finals, should his team qualify.
Barca hold a 4-0 lead on Dortmund from the first leg.
