Barcelona dealt bitter injury blow! Alejandro Balde stretchered off during La Liga clash with Las Palmas, handing manager Hansi Flick a huge selection headache

The left-back took a knock in a challenge with Sandro Ramirez, seemingly being caught in the throat by the winger's shoulder. Balde was seen struggling to breathe and appeared to vomit on the field.

The defender was carried off the field after 25 minutes and replaced by Gerard Martin. The loss of Balde comes as added concern for Hansi Flick's side, who were already without defenders Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen for Saturday's La Liga match.

The 21-year-old suffered a season-ending injury in January this year but recovered in time to take on a key role under new coach Hansi Flick this season, making 16 appearances in all competitions before Saturday's match.

Balde and his Barcelona team-mates will hope the Spain international's injury is nothing serious and that he will be able to feature against Mallorca on Tuesday.