Alex Balde Injury: Could be back Sunday

Balde (hamstring) could be back for Sunday's clash against Real Sociedad, coach Hansi Flick said in the press conference, according to Barca Universal. "Balde's return? I don't think that will happen in this next match, but maybe for Sunday. We'll see how much he improves, we don't want to take risks with him."

Balde has missed the last three games across all competitions for Barcelona due to a hamstring injury but he is nearing a return and progressing well according to his coach. His return could happen as soon as Sunday against Real Sociedad if everything goes as planned until then and that would be good news for Barcelona since he is an undisputed starter at left-back. Gerard Martin is expected to replace him against Oviedo on Thursday.