[monks data]

Euro Champ Qualifying | Group Stage

Oct 12, 2023 at 7.45pm UK

Estadio Olimpico de Sevilla

Spain
2 - 0
Scotland

Morata (73'), Sancet (86')
Merino (45+4'), Carvajal (59'), Simon (61'), Laporte (90')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Dykes (36'), Patterson (51'), Hendry (84')

Barcelona confirm Alejandro Balde has adductor injury

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 13 October 2023

Barcelona reveal that defender Alejandro Balde is facing a period on the sidelines due to the adductor injury that he suffered in Spain's win over Scotland.

Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde is facing a period on the sidelines due to the adductor injury that he suffered while representing Spain on Thursday night.

The left-back made his seventh La Liga appearance in the Euro 2024 qualification fixture with Scotland, but he had to be replaced at the interval of the contest due to an injury.

A statement from Spain then confirmed that Balde, in addition to Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, would be leaving the camp due to injury problems.

"Nico Williams and Alejandro Balde have been called off due to physical problems after Spain's victory against Scotland (2-0)," read a statement from La Roja.

Manchester United's Fred in action with Barcelona's Alejandro Balde on February 23, 2023 © Reuters

"Williams has had a strain in his intercostal muscles since last Tuesday, while Balde suffers discomfort in his adductors."

Balde arrived back in Barcelona on Friday morning, and he said that "everything is fine" when questioned on his fitness by reporters at the airport.

However, a statement from the Catalan outfit has revealed that the 19-year-old has an "adductor injury in one of his hamstrings", which will lead to a period of recovery.

"Test conducted this Friday on full back Alejandro Balde have confirmed that he has an adductor injury in one of his hamstrings. It means he will be unavailable for selection until the problem heals," read the statement.

The news will be concerning for Barcelona considering that key players in the shape of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Jules Kounde and Lamine Yamal are also on the sidelines.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring their first goal on October 8, 2023 © Reuters

Barcelona will return to La Liga action against Athletic Bilbao next weekend before welcoming Shakhtar Donetsk in their third match in the group stage of the Champions League.

El Clasico will then take place on October 28, with Barcelona hosting Real Madrid, and head coach Xavi will hope to have recovered some of his injured players by then.

According to Barcelona Universal, Balde's injury is not serious, with a recovery of between 10 and 12 days likely to be enough, which would see him return for the clash with Real Madrid.

Barcelona entered the international break off the back of a 2-2 draw with Granada, and the result left them in third position in the La Liga table, three points behind leaders Real Madrid.