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Valencia logo
La Liga | Gameweek 1
Aug 17, 2024 at 8.30pm UK
Estadio de Mestalla
Barcelona logo

Valencia
1 - 2
Barcelona

Duro (44')
Pepelu (38'), Vazquez (45+5'), Baraja (57')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Lewandowski (45+5', 49' pen.)
Cubarsi (45+2'), Christensen (69'), Kounde (81')

Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde provides update after suffering injury setback

Balde provides update following injury setback
© Imago
Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde provides an update on his fitness after being withdrawn from the club's opening La Liga fixture for 2024-25.

Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde has provided an update after being forced off in Saturday's 2-1 win over Valencia.

The Catalan giants fought back from a goal down to claim all three points in their first match under former Germany boss Hansi Flick.

Robert Lewandowski, who previously played under Flick at Bayern Munich, cancelled out Hugo Duro's opener on the stroke of half time, before dispatching a penalty in the 49th minute to score what proved to be the winning goal.

While Barcelona celebrated an opening-day win, there was some concern over Balde's injury status after the full-back was forced off in the second period.

Balde was treated by Barcelona's medical staff just after the hour mark before he was replaced by debutant Gerard Martin.

Barcelona's Alejandro Balde goes down injured on August 17, 2024© Imago

Balde offers positive injury update

The 20-year-old was making his first appearance since missing the second half of the 2023-24 season through injury.

Balde's withdrawal at Mestalla led to fears that Balde could face another spell on the sidelines, but the left-back has since taken to social media to alleviate those concerns.

The youngster wrote on Instagram: "It was just a blow, it's all good."

Barcelona will be relieved that Balde has seemingly avoided a major injury, especially as they are already having to cope with several absentees.

Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo and Ansu Fati were all absent for Saturday's La Liga win, while Dani Olmo is still building up his fitness following his recent move from RB Leipzig.

How important will Balde be this season?

After spending a lengthy spell on the sidelines last season, Balde will be targeting a campaign free from any serious injuries.

Balde could be an important player for Barcelona this season, with the club currently light on options on the left side of defence.

Barcelona saw Joao Cancelo and Marcos Alonso depart over the summer, leaving Flick with the young trio of Martin, Alex Valles and Hector Fort as his potential alternative options to Flick.

While Balde may also be in the early stages of his career, the 20-year-old already has considerable experience under his belt having made 80 competitive appearances for the Barcelona first team.

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How you voted: Valencia vs Barcelona

Valencia
9.8%
Draw
9.2%
Barcelona
80.9%
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Head Coach Hansi Flick FC Barcelona, Barca gestures during a FC Barcelona training session at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper in Barcelona, Spain, on July 19 2024
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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