"Made of glass" "Not again" - Fans react as Barcelona star gets subbed out after picking up injury in clash against Valencia
Barcelona have started their La Liga campaign on a winning note after registering a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday. The win also marked the first league win of the season for Hansi Flick as the manager of the Catalan side.
However, injury problems continued to haunt the Catalan side as Alejandro Balde left the pitch due to some physical discomfort around the 64th minute. He was soon replaced by Gerard Martin.
Fans have flooded X (formerly Twitter) with their opinions on the youngster's injury and have made their frustrations known.
"This brudda is made of glass," one individual commented.
"Not again," another fan said.
"God not again," someone opined.
Many people raised question marks on his fitness and went on to criticize the La Masia defender for his fitness and injury concerns.
"Hmmm he can’t stay fit for a second. Hmmmmm," one commented.
"It’s getting worse and worse, what is wrong with Barcelona’s-medic team," another person said.
"Balde play a full laliga season challenge," an X user quipped.
Balde was one of the key figures connecting the defense and the attack during his stay in the game. He was also instrumental in creating Barcelona's first goal as he crossed the ball to Lamine Yamal, who cut it back to Robert Lewandowski. From there, the Polish striker directed the ball home with meticulous precision.
The second goal came from a penalty when a clumsy challenge by Cristhian Mosquera tripped Raphinha, and Lewandowski converted the spot kick to get his second of the match.
Premier League club reportedly offered £34 million for Barcelona's Alejandro Balde
English Premier League giants Arsenal offered £34 million for the Barcelona left-back, according to a report by Football365. With the potential signing of the Spanish defender, Arsenal were looking for an option who could both help out in defense and contribute to the attack with his electric pace and crossing abilities,
Mikel Arteta made three huge signings last season, with Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and David Raya coming into the Gunners' side. However, they ended the last Premier League season on 89 points, two points behind Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.
However, Hansi Flick insisted on keeping Balde in Barcelona, and it was reported that Arsenal's bid for the player was rejected almost instantaneously. Furthermore, the report stated that even President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco made it clear that Alejandro Balde was untouchable.
The Catalan club will play its next La Liga match against Athletic Club on August 24.