Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has admitted that he is unsure whether Alejandro Balde will be fit for the final of the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid on April 26.
Balde has enjoyed an excellent 2024-25 campaign for Barcelona, representing the club on 43 occasions in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing 10 assists, but he suffered a hamstring issue against Leganes last weekend.
Barcelona missed the Spain international against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night, with Flick's side conceding three times in Germany, although the team still managed to advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The Catalan team are not particularly well-covered in the full-back areas, so Balde's absence is crucial at this important stage of the season.
The 21-year-old is in a fight to be ready for the final of the Copa del Rey next weekend, with Flick admitting that he does not know whether he will be able to call upon the Spaniard for El Clasico.
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Balde fighting to be fit for Copa del Rey final
"We'll have to see how it progresses on a day-to-day basis. I'm not sure. We'll have to wait and see," Flick told reporters during his press conference on Friday, with Barcelona currently preparing for Saturday's league game against Celta Vigo.
The Catalan giants are four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, but the gap would be seven points if the leaders can overcome Celta, as Real Madrid do not play until Sunday night against Athletic Bilbao.
Barcelona did not suffer any fresh fitness issues against Dortmund, but Flick has said that his players "are very tired" during a testing period of the campaign, as the team continue to fight on three fronts.
"Do you know how many games we have played in the last few weeks? We're not going to complain, but this only happens here. In all leagues, players are protected," he said.
"I would like to have a chat with the people in charge of them. Maybe we are not at our best at the moment. We are very tired, but we have tried to manage it well. We are very young. When a game is about to start you have to give 100%, your best version.
"That's how I see it. It's obvious that someone might feel tired, but they can ask for a change. That's the attitude I want. In the end, you have to look at yourself in the mirror and be honest with yourself. I'm proud of my players because they give everything. Incredible players and a spectacular club."
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How many more matches will Barcelona play this season?
As it stands, Barcelona have 10 more matches this season; seven in La Liga, two in the Champions League and one in the Copa del Rey, but the team will be hoping that number rises to 11 early next month.
Indeed, Flick's side will take on Inter Milan in the semi-finals of the Champions League, with a view to qualifying for a final against either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal at Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31.
Matt Law
