Homegrown star to deal with biggest test of Barcelona career following

Alejandro Balde’s injury during the recent clash against Leganes might not have actually come at a more defining moment for Barcelona.

With essential components on the horizon, including the 2nd leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund and the Copa del Rey last versus Genuine Madrid, Hansi Flick will not turn to Gerard Martin to step up in Balde’s lack.

This circumstance positions Martin under the spotlight like never before. The 23-year-old has actually already included in 31 matches this season, beginning 10 of them, which shows the growing trust positioned in him by Hansi Flick.

His contributions have actually not gone unnoticed– scoring as soon as and supplying three helps.

Now, with Balde expected to be sidelined for a minimum of 3 weeks, the La Masia left-back is going into a decisive duration where he could develop himself as a vital player for the club.

Three competitors, one big chance

The coming weeks will require optimal effort from Martin, as Barcelona continue to combat on 3 fronts.

He is anticipated to begin in Dortmund’s notoriously extreme Signal Iduna Park– one of Europe’s most challenging places– after having actually been left on the bench during the group stages.

Gerard Martin’s time has come. (Image by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Following that, he is likewise most likely to feature in vital La Liga matches at Montjuïc against Celta Vigo and Mallorca, both important for keeping momentum in the title race.

The greatest chance, however, could can be found in the Copa del Rey last against arch-rivals Genuine Madrid. Even if Balde recovers in time, his return would be cutting it close.

Given the danger involved in hurrying a player back from injury, Flick might prefer to stick to Martin if he performs reliably in the matches leading up to the last.

Trust plays a big role in such minutes, and Flick seems fully backing Martin to deal with the duty.

While other choices like releasing Inigo Martinez or Hector Fort at left-back, are in theory possible, they seem not likely at this moment.

Martin now holds the position, the supervisor’s confidence, and the possibility to make this spell a turning point in his profession.

With Barcelona needing consistency and determination, Martin’s performance over the next couple of weeks might define both his future which of the club’s season.