Barcelona and Spain NT at loggerheads over injured star’s Olympics call-up

Having suffered an injury back in January, Barcelona starlet Alejandro Balde was forced to undergo surgery that ruled him out for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old left-back, though, has made great progress in his recovery and has resumed individual training at a high intensity on the grass recently.

As such, it is being suggested that Balde will be at his 100% in time for the pre-season in the summer. While that is great news for Barça, it also brings a concern with it for the club.

Spain want Balde for the Olympics

Indeed, according to a report from AS, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is eager to have Alejandro Balde in the squad for the Olympics.

The 20-year-old’s recent return to individual training has alerted the Spain national team ahead of the summer’s international events.

While the left-back will not feature for Barcelona tomorrow against Sevilla, La Roja have their eyes on him with the UEFA Euro 2024 set to start on June 15 and the Olympics on July 24.

Balde making good progress on his recovery. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

A return in time for the Euros will be unlikely, but the RFEF would look forward to having Balde for the Olympics that will kickstart in Paris in late July.

However, Barça would prefer Balde not to go to the Olympic Games, although they also understand that it could be useful for him as a running-in period.

Uncertain future

Balde became the undisputed starter at left-back for Barcelona last season, displacing Jordi Alba, who left the club in the summer.

The 20-year-old La Masia ace did not have the best of seasons before his injury, though, and with the Catalans looking to raise capital this summer, the left-back could be on his way out.

Indeed, reports suggest that Barcelona might be open to parting ways with the defender if any significant offer comes along.