Barcelona greeted with good news over key defender’s fitness in first training session

Barcelona players did their first training session of the pre-season under new manager Hansi Flick today.

And the Blaugrana have welcomed some good news with regard to the fitness of one of their key defenders – Alejandro Balde.

Balde close to full recovery

Indeed, according to SPORT, Balde is ever so close to making a full recovery from his injury that has sidelined him since January.

The left-back has not yet been able to train at the same pace as the group of players who have been under the orders of Flick today, but he has continued with his recovery process on the pitch.

The La Masia graduate did some work with the ball and showcased a good physical tone in general, leading to a feeling of optimism.

Balde was one of the first members of the Barcelona squad that Hansi Flick spoke to after being announced as the new coach.

While touring the facilities at the Ciutat Esportiva, the German found the left-back training on the pitch, who assured him that he would be ready for pre-season.

Balde did not form part of the general squad on the first day, but the intention is that he will gradually be reincorporated into the group.

Barcelona’s plan for Balde, in fact, is that if he continues to feel as good as he has done so far, he will start training with the group next week.

If there are no setbacks, the Catalans expects the defender to be at Flick’s disposal for the first friendly match in the USA, against Manchester City at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando in late July.