Barça's elimination from the Copa del Rey quarter-finals took a heavy toll. Alejandro Balde had to withdraw due to a muscular injury and the medical tests he underwent on his return to Barcelona confirmed that he has a rupture that will surely prevent him from playing in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Napoli, which will be played on Wednesday 21 February. He could be out for several months and the decision is still pending. The Catalan giants have not yet issued a statement and it is not ruled out that the player will have to undergo surgery, as recommended by the club.
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The other position on the table is to opt for conservative treatment, as was the case with the last injury to Ansu Fati, who is represented by Jorge Mendes as well as Balde. The internal debate is open. In the 20th minute against Athletic, Balde lay on the ground touching the back of his left thigh and had to be substituted. The defender immediately sensed the importance of the injury, which will keep him out of the game for a long time,
The left-back, who was unable to play in the cup tie in Barbastro due to a fever, joins Marcos Alonso at left-back, meaning Xavi will have to improvise with Cancelo or Héctor Fort. Andreas Christensen, the great novelty in the line-up after missing the game against Betis due to Achilles tendon problems, also withdrew due to some discomfort which is not serious, however.
The 70 million
With the need to make up for this absence at left-back, Barcelona could think about breaking the market and go for the best option with the Canadian Alphonso Davies, who is valued at 70 million and is being sought by Real Madrid, so Barcelona could also give a blow to their great rival.
