Balde's birthday gift: a possible start against PSG in the Champions League
Barcelona visits Paris Saint-Germain in the third round of the Champions League with Eric Garcia and Jules Koundé sidelined through injury. Hansi Flick must reorganize his defense, especially on the flanks, and Alejandro Balde, who just turned 23, has emerged as an unlikely but real option to return to the starting lineup.
Byvarela4 min read
Barcelona heads to Paris Saint-Germain for the third round of the Champions League with a serious defensive problem. Injuries to Eric Garcia and Jules Koundé have forced Hansi Flick to rebuild his back line ahead of one of the toughest matches of the league phase, and Alejandro Balde's name has come up in that search for solutions. The academy left-back, who turned 23 on Sunday October 18, has played just 12 minutes this season, but a return to the starting eleven is now being considered as an unlikely yet genuine possibility.
- Eric Garcia and Jules Koundé will miss the PSG match through injury.
- Flick must reorganize the defense, particularly on the flanks.
- Balde gains an opportunity to start after turning 23.
- The academy defender has only featured for 12 minutes this season.
- He has not started since the 3-1 defeat to Valencia in May.
Koundé and Eric Garcia injuries test Flick's defensive plan
Losing two defenders with such complete profiles is a major setback for the German coach. Koundé and Eric Garcia stand out both in individual duels and in providing attacking width from the flank, two qualities Barcelona will need against a side like PSG. Flick will have to carefully assess the options available in his squad to cover their absence without the team losing balance.
Why Balde is emerging as a solution at left-back
Balde's situation in the team has changed drastically since last season. His last start in LaLiga came in the 3-1 defeat to Valencia on May 23, a match that took place with the league title already secured. Since then his role has been minimal, and in this Champions League campaign he has gone three consecutive games without featuring.
Balde's limited Champions League minutes this season
His most recent appearance in Europe's top competition came on April 8, when he played just 4 minutes in the first leg against Atlético de Madrid. That match ended in a 0-2 away win for Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou, but Balde did not return to the side in the following European fixtures. Now, with the defense depleted, his name is back in the coaching staff's conversations.
What Barcelona can gain at the Parc des Princes
The meeting with PSG arrives at a delicate moment for Barça's campaign in the league phase. Flick needs immediate answers and must avoid injuries turning a top-level test into a scenario with too many limitations. A positive result in Paris would give breathing room to a side forced to compete with limited resources, and the decision over who starts on the flanks will be one of the keys to the game plan.
Frequently asked questions about Balde and the PSG - Barcelona match
Frequently asked questions
Why could Balde start against PSG?
Injuries to Jules Koundé and Eric Garcia leave Flick without two regular defenders and push him to find alternatives on the flanks. Balde, despite his limited recent involvement, is one of the options the German coach is considering.
How many minutes has Balde played this season?
The Barcelona academy defender has only played 12 minutes so far this campaign. His last start came on May 23 against Valencia, on the final matchday of the previous LaLiga season.
When did Balde last play in the Champions League?
Balde last featured in the Champions League on April 8, playing 4 minutes in the first leg against Atlético de Madrid. He has since gone three European matches without playing.