Alejandro Balde sends message to Barcelona fans after injury
Alejandro Balde has commented on his recent injury suffered during Barcelona's comfortable 3-0 win over Mallorca.
Barça cruised to victory in their final home game of a hugely successful 2022/23 La Liga campaign thanks to goals from Gavi and Ansu Fati, but the good mood around the game was dampened slightly by Balde's first half injury.
Balde was carted off the pitch after just 17 minutes following a horrid tackle from Mallorca forward Amath Ndiaye.
In a statement released during the game itself, Barcelona confirmed their star full-back had suffered a partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament in his right ankle and is expected to take six to seven weeks to recover.
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The 19-year-old has now addressed the injury himself, telling fans in an Instagram post that he hopes to come back stronger than ever from the ailment.
"Injuries are a bitter part of sport. Thank God it was less than it seemed. Thank you all very much for the messages of support and the expressions of affection! Now it's time to recover well and come back stronger than ever!"
Balde had enjoyed a breakout season under Xavi Hernandez at Barcelona, bagging six assists and becoming a key part of La Blaugrana's airtight defensive unit which shipped just 18 goals in 37 league games.
The full-back and Barça will be hoping to take their brilliant La Liga form into the UEFA Champions League next season following a disappointing 2022/23 campaign on the continent.