Barcelona handed injury boost as long-term absentee spotted in training ahead of pre-season

Barcelona have been handed an injury boost, as Alejandro Balde looks set to return to training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The 20-year-old defender ruptured a tendon earlier in the year, leading to him missing out on 22 games for the club. However, he has been spotted in training ahead of the club's pre-season.

A report from SPORT (via Barca Universal) has claimed that Balde could make a full recovery in the coming weeks. He has nearly recuperated fully but is not yet training properly with the rest of the squad. However, a video from the club's official X account showed Balde training alongside Julian Araujo.

You can view the post below:

Joao Cancelo, who played the first part of the season at right-back, was switched to the left to cover for Balde's absence from the pitch.

However, the versatile Portuguese defender has returned to his parent club Manchester City, after finishing his loan spell with Barcelona. It is uncertain if they will be able to sign him on a full transfer or loan him once more.

For Balde, who missed out quite a few games, returning to fitness and helping the Blaugrana start their La Liga campaign on a strong footing will be the focus. When he fully recuperates, he will rejoin the first team and will likely be available for their upcoming friendlies in the USA.

Barcelona defender could leave on free transfer if club fail to keep their promise

While the Blaugrana will be pleased about the return of Alejandro Balde, they will be concerned about the future of fellow defender Ronald Araujo. That is if rumors are to be believed, as reports have claimed that they could potentially renege on a deal with the 25-year-old center-back.

Barcelona reportedly made a promise to improve his salary when he signed his current deal back in 2022 (via Football Espana). The club were seemingly hoping they would be in the position to do so when the time came but their financial situation has not improved in the last two years.

Now, Araujo has only two years left on his deal with the club, and if they cannot boost his salary in his contract extension, he could leave for free.

The defender's value will noticeably decrease as he will have just a year left on his contract next summer. This could see them push to sell him soon, especially if they are unable to meet his financial expectations with a contract offer.