FC Barcelona are currently left with a squad that is heavily depleted due to injuries. However, while some of the absentees can return back in time for the crucial phase of the season, others can not. For Barcelona, having alternatives to those missing players thus becomes crucial.
However, there are some players who do not have direct alternatives within the team. The latest injury to Alejandro Balde, consequently, becomes one that gives Barcelona a lot of worry. With Marcos Alonso also injured, there are no specialist left-backs currently in the team.
Fortunately for Barcelona, this could also be a blessing in disguise. As highlighted by SPORT, La Liga has a specific article in place that allows teams to take advantage of a rather adverse situation when they lose their star players.
In Balde’s case, Article 77 comes into application and it allows teams to use 80% of the salary space left behind by an injured player who is expected to miss 4 or more months of action. This also applied in the case of Gavi, whose salary space was used to bring in Vitor Roque.
Balde’s injury has already been assessed by the club as an occasion that requires surgery. The club has already made the decision official, and he is set to miss the remainder of the season. For this reason, Article 77 becomes applicable to his specific case.
Now, Barcelona has the opportunity to bring in a new player if the right financial opportunity aligns. However, there is also the possibility that Barça does not end up going for another left-back to replace the injured academy prodigy.
Instead, SPORT highlights that Barcelona could also look to recruit a new midfielder. Having been unable to do that so far this January, Balde’s injury could provide the right assets for the team to finally be able to do so. For now, Sergi Cardona is a name linked to Barcelona, but his case is reportedly more aligned with the club’s summer plans.
