Barcelona have suffered a significant setback as Alejandro Baldé, one of their brightest young stars, has been ruled out of action for approximately one month. The news, first reported by Sergi de Juan of AS, means the 20-year-old left-back could be unavailable for the entire month of September, depriving Xavi Hernández of a key player who provides both defensive solidity and explosive attacking runs down the flank.
Baldé’s absence couldn’t have come at a more challenging time for the Catalan giants, who are entering a crucial stretch of fixtures across both domestic and European competitions. His dynamic presence in defense and ability to stretch opposition lines have been central to Barcelona’s style of play, and his injury will likely force tactical adjustments from the coaching staff. The timing also adds pressure on the squad’s depth, as covering the left-back position without a natural replacement of Baldé’s quality will be no easy task.
During his recovery, Barcelona will face several demanding fixtures. In La Liga, Baldé is expected to miss the clash with Valencia, a team that always raises its level when facing Barça, as well as important games against Getafe and Real Sociedad, both of whom are notoriously difficult opponents who can punish defensive weaknesses. Additionally, in the Copa del Rey, a tie against Real Oviedo will take place without his presence, and this could prove tricky as cup matches often spring surprises when top teams rotate their lineups.
Perhaps the biggest blow, however, is his absence from the Champions League group-stage battle against Newcastle United. The English side is known for its intensity and physicality, and Baldé’s pace, composure, and tactical awareness would have been crucial to counter their aggressive style. Without him, Barcelona will need to rely on alternatives that may not offer the same balance of speed and defensive resilience, leaving Xavi with difficult decisions ahead.
Looking further ahead, there is cautious optimism. If Baldé’s rehabilitation progresses smoothly, he could return to action in time for the high-profile Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain in early October. That match could prove decisive for Barcelona’s European ambitions, and having Baldé back for such a fixture would be a massive boost. For now, though, his absence will test both the resilience of the team and the flexibility of Xavi’s tactical approach.
