Barcelona youngster could have to undergo surgery, Euro 2024 participation in danger

Athletic Club vs Barcelona in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals was a game that neutrals would have enjoyed thoroughly. The hosts created most of the clear cut chances, while the Catalans responded with a few of their own.

Youngsters such as Lamine Yamal and Hector Fort put in superb performances, which is bound to make fans hopeful about the future.

However, during the same game, Alejandro Balde suffered from a nasty knee injury in the first-half. He had to be substituted for Fort, and initial reports claimed that he would miss at least a month and a half, if not more.

As has been the case with Barcelona injuries this season, though, the initial tests seem to be an underreaction, as a new report from MARCA claim that Balde could have to undergo surgery to treat his injury.

He will undergo further tests in the next few hours, and will make the final decision based on advice from Barcelona’s medical staff and coaches.

There is a huge risk with going under the knife, though, as this could mean that he will not be back by the time the season finishes, which also puts his spot with the Spanish National Team for the 2024 European Championship in severe jeopardy.

Spain’s options

Spain do have a fair few options for the left-back position, including Valencia captain Jose Gaya, who was expected to move to Barcelona at some point in his career, but has decided to stay put with los che.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo is also in contention to start, especially given the tremendous season he is having. The La Masia graduate has seven goals and eight assists in 18 Bundesliga games so far this season, the most of any defender in the top-five leagues.

Javi Galan has also recently moved to Real Sociedad from Atletico Madrid, and could be in the race if he has a decent enough second half of the season.