According to SPORT, Alejandro Balde might make his first start of the season for Barcelona against Deportivo Alaves on Saturday, with defensive ailments potentially allowing the left-back to reestablish his place in the club.

The opportunity comes at a critical time for Balde, whose standing at Barcelona has dipped in recent months.

After struggling to gain regular minutes, the 23-year-old now has the opportunity to change the narrative if he impresses when called upon at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Defensive injuries create an opportunity for Alejandro Balde.

Barcelona’s full-back options have been impacted by the absences of Eric García and Xavi Espart. Espart is expected to miss seven weeks.

Jules Kounde’s position is also a consideration, since the Frenchman is still being closely monitored.

If Flick is unsure whether Kounde is ready to start at right-back, one option would be to transfer Joao Cancelo to the right and choose Balde on the opposite wing.

The German coach has already employed this formation, bringing it into play during the Clasico after Espart sustained an injury around the half-hour mark.

That makes Saturday’s team selection especially important for Balde, as a defensive move could provide the opportunity he requires, but his inclusion in the starting XI has yet to be confirmed.

Balde’s performance against Real Madrid was encouraging, despite Barcelona’s defeat

He needed some time to adjust to the game, but he grew into it, indicating that he could make a bigger contribution with more consistent playing time.

Prior to the Clasico, he had made only two brief appearances.

He appeared for 12 minutes in Barcelona’s 7-2 triumph against Racing de Santander and 16 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, during the team’s difficult physical stretch.

Those cameos provided little opportunity to establish consistency; thus, a starting role versus Alaves would provide Balde much more time to persuade Flick that he deserves a more prominent spot in the squad.

The left-back’s circumstances has shifted dramatically since he established himself with great performances for Barcelona.

His status became less secure last season, and rumors of a probable summer exit heightened the anxiety around his future.

A great performance against Alaves would not resolve all issues, but it could help him restore ground in the race for a regular starting spot.