VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN - OCTOBER 06: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on during the LaLiga match between Deportivo Alaves and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Mendizorroza on October 06, 2024 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.

Hansi Flick surprises everyone with a U-turn to include €40m Barcelona player for Brest game

Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Barcelona are set to face Brest in the Champions League later tonight in a match of significant importance for Hansi Flick. After failing to secure a win in their last two league outings, the Catalan giants will be eager to bounce back and regain their momentum.

The impressive start to the season under Flick is now at risk of losing its shine, as the German coach grapples with a growing injury list. Star attacker Lamine Yamal is among those sidelined, adding to the challenges faced by the team.

Alejandro Balde was another player expected to miss the game against the French club, as the Barcelona head coach revealed during last night’s press conference that the Spaniard was dealing with a hamstring issue.

However, in what has been a sensation U-turn, less than 24 hours later, Hansi Flick has called up Balde in the squad to face Brest. As per Javi Miguel, the Spanish youngster’s hamstring issues have completely disappeared as he completed a good activation training session today.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 01: Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between FC Barcelona and BSC Young Boys at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 01, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

The €40m-rated Spanish full-back is a key figure in Hansi Flick’s squad. While he may not have been exceptional this season, his absence creates a noticeable void, and Flick will be pleased to have Balde available for selection.

However, it remains to be seen how the German coach approaches his team selection today. With Lamine absent, the squad is already lacking width on the right, and if Balde is unavailable as well, they will be without their most potent outlet on the left.

Brest are no pushovers in the Champions League and have made a strong start to the campaign. If Balde is fit and ready, Hansi Flick will most likely start him tonight—let’s see how it unfolds.

Tags Alejandro Balde Hansi Flick