<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a>’s recent defeat to Las Palmas was not only a blow to their <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/la-liga/">La Liga</a> campaign but also a cause for concern due to a serious-looking injury to key defender <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/alejandro-balde/">Alejandro Balde</a>. The 21-year-old left-back was stretchered off the field after a collision with an away player left him struggling to breathe, sparking fears of a significant injury. Fortunately, subsequent updates have confirmed that Balde has fully recovered from the scare, providing some relief amid a difficult season for Barcelona.



The Blaugrana’s 2023-24 season has been plagued by injuries, disrupting the team’s rhythm and consistency. While coach&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/hansi-flick/">Hansi Flick</a>&nbsp;has managed to regain some key players, the squad remains vulnerable to fitness setbacks. This vulnerability was exposed once again during the 2-1 defeat to Las Palmas at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium, a game that marked the club’s 125th anniversary but ended on a sour note.



The Catalans entered the match hoping to end a winless streak that had stretched to three games. However, sloppy play, poor decision-making, and a determined Las Palmas side thwarted their efforts. More troubling, though, was Balde’s injury, which added to Barcelona’s growing list of concerns.



The incident involving&nbsp;Alejandro Balde&nbsp;occurred midway through the first half. As the La Masia graduate attempted to fend off Las Palmas forward&nbsp;Sandro Ramírez, he suffered a strong blow to the neck. The impact left Balde on the ground, struggling to breathe and visibly in distress. Unable to stand, he was stretchered off the pitch, with&nbsp;Gerard Martin&nbsp;coming on as his replacement.



According to journalist&nbsp;Helena Condis of COPE, Balde suffered a blow to his trachea but has since made a full recovery.&nbsp;“Balde did suffer a blow to his trachea during the collision, but he has now fully recovered from it,“&nbsp;Condis reported, alleviating fears of a serious injury. The positive update was a relief for Barcelona, especially given Balde’s importance to Flick’s defensive setup.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241130_WST_542051_Alejandro-Balde-injury-scare-in-Barcelonas-loss-to-Las-Palmas-What-happened-and-how-serious-is-it-1-1200x675_80b60561.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="balde injury las palmas" class="wp-image-542056" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Alejandro-Balde-injury-scare-in-Barcelonas-loss-to-Las-Palmas-What-happened-and-how-serious-is-it-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Alejandro-Balde-injury-scare-in-Barcelonas-loss-to-Las-Palmas-What-happened-and-how-serious-is-it-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Alejandro-Balde-injury-scare-in-Barcelonas-loss-to-Las-Palmas-What-happened-and-how-serious-is-it-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Alejandro-Balde-injury-scare-in-Barcelonas-loss-to-Las-Palmas-What-happened-and-how-serious-is-it-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Alejandro-Balde-injury-scare-in-Barcelonas-loss-to-Las-Palmas-What-happened-and-how-serious-is-it-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Alejandro-Balde-injury-scare-in-Barcelonas-loss-to-Las-Palmas-What-happened-and-how-serious-is-it-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Alejandro-Balde-injury-scare-in-Barcelonas-loss-to-Las-Palmas-What-happened-and-how-serious-is-it-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Alejandro-Balde-injury-scare-in-Barcelonas-loss-to-Las-Palmas-What-happened-and-how-serious-is-it-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Game of missed opportunities</h2>



Despite the injury scare, Barcelona had opportunities to control the game but failed to capitalize. The first half was marked by wastefulness in attack, with promising chances squandered due to poor execution. Las Palmas, led by former Barcelona striker&nbsp;Sandro Ramirez, capitalized on Barcelona’s errors, eventually taking the lead early in the second half.



Barça did manage to level the score thanks to a stunning strike from&nbsp;Raphinha, but the visitors struck again when&nbsp;Fabio Silva&nbsp;found the net, restoring Las Palmas’ lead. Barcelona’s desperation grew as time ticked away, but despite several attempts, they couldn’t find an equalizer. Former Blaugrana goalkeeper&nbsp;Jasper Cillessen&nbsp;played a pivotal role in preserving Las Palmas’ lead with crucial saves.



<h2>Relief amid disappointing form</h2>



The final whistle confirmed Barcelona’s first home loss of the season, a result that could see rivals&nbsp;Real Madrid&nbsp;leapfrog them to the top of the La Liga table. However, the news that Balde had fully recovered from his injury provided some consolation. Barcelona’s injury woes have been a recurring theme this season, making any positive news on the fitness front crucial.



Barcelona’s next challenge will be a difficult away fixture against Mallorca in just three days. With the team desperate to get back to winning ways, they will hope to have Balde available, given his importance to the squad.

Alejandro Balde injury scare in Barcelona's loss to Las Palmas: What happened and how serious is it?

Alejandro Balde injury scare in Barcelona's loss to Las Palmas: What happened and how serious is it? - World Soccer Talk

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A bright future awaits Barcelona after they agreed to sign both Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde to contracts with a release clause.



The Blaugrana clearly have complete trust in them. This season’s crop of young Spaniards who have been turning heads on the pitch seem to have a bright future at Camp Nou.



At 16 years and 57 days old, Yamal has just made his Spain debut in the Euro 2024 qualification, becoming the youngest player in the country’s history in the process. 



His current teammate on the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barca</a> squad, Gavi, established the record in 2021 at the age of 17 years and 62 days.



Meanwhile, Balde is rapidly progressing under <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-exactly-is-barcelona-buying-new-players-20230902-WST-453621.html">Xavi Hernandez</a>, where the young prodigy’s talents have made an unforgettable mark despite his tender years. His latest Golden Boy nomination, with Gavi and Yamal, is a testament to his promising future.



<h2>Barcelona to sign Yamal and Balde to long-term deals with a release clause</h2>



When they return from representing <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/spain-national-team-tv-schedule/">Spain</a> in international competition, the two will allegedly sign new contracts with Barcelona. Both are now on the road with Luis de la Fuente’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-european-championship-tv-schedule/">Euro 2024 qualifying</a> side, playing against Cyprus and Georgia.



According to <a href="https://www.lavanguardia.com/deportes/fc-barcelona/20230904/9204510/lamine-yamal-balde-firmaran-renovaciones-barca-paron-internacional.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Vanguardia</a>, upon their return, the pair will sign new contracts to ensure their continued success. 



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Alejandro Balde comments on Lamine Yamal&apos;s latest IG post: "You give him his first goal and he doesn&apos;t even tag you… Nico Williams." Nico William replies: "He doesn&apos;t respect his father." <a href="https://t.co/n5g3IjkAGC">pic.twitter.com/n5g3IjkAGC</a>— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarcaUniversal/status/1700535297828614576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Lamine Yamal’s contract will last until 2026, while that of Balde’s will extend until 2028. A three-year deal is the most that Barcelona can give him because of his age.



Both new contracts are set to feature buyout provisions valued at more than&nbsp;$1 billion to deter prospective suitors. Barca has reportedly been waiting for some time for the contracts to be finalized. This is because they needed to make room in their Financial Fair Play (FFP) budget.



<h2>How have the duo been doing this season?</h2>



As a result of his hard work and improvement, Lamine Yamal will sign his first professional contract. The teenager is presently a member of Xavi’s first-team squad and has been doing well.



Balde, who has established himself as the starting left defender, has also been rewarded with a contract extension. The Spanish international will wear Pique’s old No. 3 jersey this year.



Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

Bright future: Barcelona to tie two rising stars to $1bn release clause

Two young talents at Barcelona will soon be locked into long-term contracts with a $1 billion buyout clause

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Alejandro Balde injury scare in Barcelona's loss to Las Palmas: What happened and how serious is it?

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Bright future: Barcelona to tie two rising stars to $1bn release clause