Hansi Flick has encountered unexpected bad news. When everyone assumed that Alejandro Balde would be available for the return leg of the semifinals against Inter, the latest information is not positive at all. From within Barça's locker room, his presence in Milan is almost 100% ruled out, as he is not yet in condition to play a match of such high demand.
The first to report Balde's absence was journalist Gerard Romero, something that Madrid-Barcelona has been able to confirm. Hansi Flick was happy because he wanted to count on his starting full-back for the return leg against Inter, but he already knows it won't be possible. Unless a completely unexpected turn occurs in the next few hours... the Spaniard is likely to miss a high-stakes duel in which one of the Champions finalists will be decided.
Alejandro Balde is Out: Hansi Flick Has an Alternative
At this moment, Hansi Flick seems to have a clear idea of which defense he will field to try to beat Inter. Considering that Gerard Martín played the full 90 minutes in Valladolid and didn't fully convince him in the first leg, the German's plan is to go out with four center-backs.
This is how the first leg against Inter ended in Barcelona... and how he intends to start the return leg now that Alejandro Balde's presence is practically ruled out. This way, the replacement for the Spanish full-back would be one of the leaders of the center of defense, Íñigo Martínez, who would move again to the left flank.
In the center of the defense, Ronald Araújo is expected to share the line on the right side and Cubarsí on the left. Meanwhile, considering Koundé's injury, Eric García will be the right-back.
Alejandro Balde: A Complicated Absence
Alejandro Balde has established himself as an essential piece in Hansi Flick's scheme at FC Barcelona. At just 21 years old, the homegrown player has managed to become the starting left-back, being a valuable offensive and defensive weapon. This season he has played 43 official matches, scoring one goal and providing 10 assists... numbers that confirm his growth and prominence on the left flank.
His speed, dribbling, and ability to reach the byline have made him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Alejandro Balde has perfectly understood what Flick asks of him, interpreting well when to advance and when to hold position, providing balance to the German coach's system. Additionally, his understanding with the wingers and midfielders allows him to create superiorities in the offensive zone.
However, Barça will face the return leg of the Champions League semifinals at the Giuseppe Meazza without him. His absence against Inter is one of the team's most significant, as his depth on the left has no natural substitute. Hansi Flick will have to restructure his defense and seek solutions for an absence that could be crucial in a decisive match.