Barcelona could be set for a timely fitness lift this weekend, with reports suggesting that both Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal are closing in on returns to action.
Balde has been sidelined since early September with a hamstring problem, while Yamal has missed the club’s last two fixtures against Newcastle United and Getafe due to a groin injury picked up during international duty with Spain.
Both youngsters will sit out Thursday’s meeting with Real Oviedo, but optimism is growing that they could feature in Sunday’s La Liga encounter with Real Sociedad.
Speaking ahead of the midweek clash, manager Hansi Flick admitted Balde might be in contention for the weekend, although he stressed the club would not rush him back.
“He won’t be available for this match,” Flick told reporters. “But we’ll see how he progresses and whether he can play at the weekend. It will depend on how he feels, but we won’t take any risks.”
According to AS, Barcelona are also hopeful that Yamal could be eased back into action against Real Sociedad, with the teenager potentially playing limited minutes as preparation for the Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain on October 1.
The 17-year-old made a bright start to the campaign, recording two goals and three assists in his first three appearances, but his momentum was halted after aggravating his groin during Spain duty earlier this month.
Should both players come through Sunday’s match unscathed, they are expected to be in contention for a starting role against PSG in what promises to be one of the marquee fixtures of the group stage.
Barcelona’s injury list remains significant, with Fermín López and Marc-André ter Stegen both unavailable, while Gavi faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines following knee surgery that will keep him out for four to five months.
Flick, however, played down the ongoing injury challenges, insisting his focus remains on the players at his disposal.
“Last year there were many injured players, and this season we’ve had the same with Fermín, Lamine, Balde,” the coach said. “But I trust every member of this squad. For me, it’s not about who is missing but the options we have. We can win with any eleven players.”
Looking ahead to Thursday’s match, Flick also praised Real Oviedo for their approach.
“They’re a brave side, pressing high and defending aggressively. But for me the most important thing is our team. We’ve been strong in the last three matches, training levels are high, and confidence is there,” he added.
Barcelona currently sit second in La Liga with 13 points from their opening five games, trailing Real Madrid by five points at the top of the table.
