Barcelona’s left-back Alejandro Balde will miss at least six weeks of action after suffering an ankle injury in Sunday’s match against Real Mallorca at Camp Nou.
The 18-year-old was playing as a right-back to allow Jordi Alba, who is leaving the club soon, to start on his usual position on the left. Balde was injured by a brutal tackle from Amath Ndiaye, who was sent off after the referee checked the VAR.
Balde was in pain as he was taken off by the medical staff and Jules Kounde, who was playing as a center-back amid rumors of his possible exit from Barcelona. Sergi Roberto came on to replace Balde, who had started the game well.
Barcelona were leading 1-0 at that point thanks to Ansu Fati’s early goal in their last home game of the season. Fati scored another one before half-time to seal a comfortable win for Barcelona.
Balde will not be able to play in Barcelona’s final game of the season against Celta Vigo next weekend or in their friendly against Andres Iniesta’s Vissel Kobe in Japan. He will also miss the Final Four of the Nations League with Spain’s under-21 team.
