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Bucket has been out since April 13 for an injury to the thigh
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The absence has forced Hansi Flick to reorganize the defense
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Barcelona currently leads LaLiga for four points
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Spanish defender was not present in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Inter on Tuesday, since he could not demonstrate his physical condition. Baldé has been out since April 13 due to an injury in the corva tendon of his left leg. However, according to the Spanish journalist Javier Miguel, it is expected that it will be available for the classic this Sunday, after having reincorporated training with the group, with additional individual sessions scheduled.
-Having lost both matches of the semifinal, the side, who has scored a goal and given 10 assists in 43 games with Barcelona this season, seems to be on his way to a timely return.
The broader panorama
Barcelona is four points ahead of Real Madrid in LaLiga, and a victory this weekend would leave them on the verge of securing the title. However, a Madrid victory would reduce the difference to only one point, which would make the fight for the championship be defined in the last days. coach Hansi Flick has had to adjust his alignment in the absence of Baldé. In the confrontation of the Champions League against Inter, the German coach reorganized his defense, placing Íñigo Martínez as Central Izquierdo and Gerard Martin as the left side.
Did you know?
Barcelona has scored 163 goals in all competitions this season, more than any other team in the five major leagues in Europe. However, they have defensively had problems. Despite an XG against 64.3, they have granted 66 goals. Flick hopes that Baldé’s return, who probably faces Rodrygo if he starts, helps keep Carlo Ancelotti at Raya.
What follows?
With the dream of the truncated triplet after the exciting defeat in the middle of the week against Inter Milan, Barcelona will focus all its attention on LaLiga, seeking to finish the season as champions. After Sunday’s classic, the Catalans will close the campaign with clashes against Espanyol, Villarreal and Athletic Club.
