The injury to Alejandro Balde, sustained during a training session earlier this month, came as a major setback for FC Barcelona.
After all, the young left-back is a key player in Hansi Flick’s team, and his absence for close to a month will be dearly felt.
However, Flick is not short of options to replace Balde in the team, with Gerard Martin and young Jofre Torrents available at the manager’s disposal.
Gerard Martin to become the regular starter
And, as per Ferran Correas of SPORT, Gerard Martin is set to become the regular starter at left-back for Barcelona in the absence of Balde. And the 23-year-old is determined to make the most of his opportunity.
After playing only 12 minutes so far this season due to registration issues, the full-back will start again against Valencia this weekend. Coincidentally, his official debut for the Barça first team also came against Los Che in August last year.
Since then, Martin became an important player for Flick, who has complete faith in the defender. The left-back ended up playing 42 matches last term, earning himself a contract renewal, signed in January, and a first-team squad number this season.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 02: Gerard Martin of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the La Liga EA match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 02, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Determined to succeed. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
During the summer, there was speculation about a possible departure, but neither the full-back nor Flick considered it.
The German coach’s trust in Martin is absolute, while sporting director Deco also has great confidence in him. The sporting department is convinced that with Balde, Martin, and Jofre Torrents pushing from behind, the left-back position is well covered.
Now, Martin is determined to repay the faith shown in him by the coach and the director by making valuable contributions in key matches in Balde’s absence.
The 23-year-old will start against Valencia and is also expected to feature in the team’s Champions League opener away to Newcastle United.
Depending on Balde’s recovery, Martin could also be called up to start in games vs Getafe and Real Sociedad as well. And, he is highly motivated to seize this opportunity and succeed at the club of his life.