Barcelona star trusted by Flick set for his big opportunity after teammate’s injury

Earlier right this moment, FC Barcelona confirmed that key defender Alejandro Balde had suffered a thigh damage throughout a coaching session, which got here as a serious setback.

Whereas the membership’s assertion didn’t specify a restoration time, it has since been reported that the 21-year-old left-back might be out for not less than three weeks, that means he’ll miss not less than the staff’s first three video games after the worldwide break.

Gerard Martin’s huge alternative

With Balde sidelined, SPORT reviews that Gerard Martin is ready to get his huge alternative to make an impression, with Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick totally trusting him to ship.

Whereas it has not at all times been simple for the 23-year-old left-back since his promotion to the primary staff final season, he has at all times had Flick’s backing.

When Balde was injured in the direction of the tip of final season, Flick positioned his belief in Martin, and the left-back had his fair proportion of constructive moments, coupled with some pricey errors.

These ups and downs have served Martin properly, permitting him to reach at this season a lot better ready.

Throughout pre-season, Flick even examined him as a substitute in central defence, as with out Inigo Martinez, Barcelona had been left and not using a left-footed profile.

It was a take a look at that left constructive impressions, however with Balde’s damage, all the pieces signifies that Martin will take over within the beginning eleven.

Certainly, with Balde sidelined for round three weeks, Martin is predicted to begin for Flick not less than in opposition to Valencia, Newcastle United and Getafe.

The choice is teenage prospect Jofre Torrents, who made his official debut in opposition to Mallorca, however is unlikely to be thrust right into a beginning function straight away.