Barcelona star Alejandro Balde has on Saturday sparked concern amongst the club’s supporters.
This comes after the Spaniard was forced into a premature departure from the Blaugrana’s post-international break return to action.
Balde was for his part named in Hansi Flick’s starting XI to face Athletic Club, taking his place at left-back.
Upon Barca reemerging for the 2nd-half, however, the youngster was nowhere to be seen.
Balde was for his part involved in a heavy collision during the first-half at the Spotify Camp Nou, which left him grounded clutching his head.
The 22-year-old’s withdrawal is therefore likely to have come as a precaution, albeit with it now remaining to be seen whether or not Balde has suffered a concussion.
Turning focus back towards the scoreline in Catalunya’s capital, hosts Barcelona, as things stand, find themselves cruising towards all three points.
Owing to strikes on the part of Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres and Fermín López, the reigning La Liga champions lead Athletic by three goals to nil.
Conor Laird – GSFN
