Gerard Martin may find himself in the starting XI once again on Sunday when Barcelona take on Real Madrid in El Clasico.
Alejandro Balde was expected to return to the team after injury in time for the [Champions League clash](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/barcelona-uefa-champions-league/2025/5/6/24423298/inter-milan-barcelona-champions-league-final-score-match-report-recap-reactions) with Inter [but wasn’t quite ready for the game at San Siro](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2025/5/4/24423526/barcelona-making-correct-decision-to-not-risk-alejandro-balde-against-inter-milan).
According to Diario AS, Hansi Flick will continue to rely on Martin due to Balde’s setback and the fact the youngster has impressed the German coach recently.
Balde is expected to be in the squad for the visit of Real Madrid and could still make his comeback as a substitute.
The feeling is that it could be a good opportunity to bring him on in the second half if Martin needs a break after Tuesday’s gruelling Champions League tie.
Martin grabbed two assists against Inter but was left in tears after the full-time whistle and took to social media after the game to apologise to fans.
“Culers, we are very sorry for not having achieved what we wanted so much after so many years. I have only words of pride for this team, we had it close, we gave it all and it couldn’t be,” he wrote.
“There are things that are not in our hands, but there is no other option than to lift our heads up and move on. Now more than ever, for this shield, for this team and for each of you who accompanies us on this path.”