Barcelona defender absent from pre-season training due to pubalgia

Alejandro Balde’s pre-season preparations have suffered an early setback after the Barcelona defender developed groin discomfort that has forced him to train away from the main group in recent days.

According to AS, the left-back has been receiving treatment for pubalgia for almost a week, with the issue preventing him from taking part in full team sessions. 

Despite the interruption, Barcelona are not overly concerned and remain confident the Spain international will be ready for the start of the new La Liga season.

The club’s immediate priority is to manage the problem carefully rather than rush Balde back into full training, especially with several weeks remaining before the league campaign gets underway.

Barcelona cautious with Balde’s recovery

Balde was already following an individual programme after leaving group training earlier in pre-season, and the report has now identified pubalgia as the reason behind that decision.

Alejandro Balde has been training separately. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The discomfort has required daily treatment to ease the strain in his groin, limiting his workload while Barcelona’s medical staff monitor his progress.

Even so, there is optimism inside the club.

The outlet reports that Balde is still expected to travel with the squad to England on Monday and could even feature in the upcoming friendly against Birmingham City if his condition continues to improve over the coming days.

Previous injuries make careful management essential

Although there is no sense of alarm at Barcelona, Balde’s recent injury record explains why the club are unwilling to take unnecessary risks.

Balde has been suffering from pubalgia. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

Last season, the 22-year-old missed more than two months after suffering two separate hamstring injuries, setbacks that disrupted his campaign and opened the door for Joao Cancelo to establish himself as Hansi Flick’s preferred option at left-back.

With Balde now fully recovered from those problems, Barcelona are determined to avoid another prolonged absence by addressing his latest fitness concern before it develops into something more serious.

For now, the emphasis is on recovery rather than immediate match fitness. 

This means if Balde responds well to treatment over the next few days, Barcelona expect him to rejoin full training soon and remain on course to be available when the new La Liga campaign begins.