Barcelona keen to bring in replacement for Alejandro Balde as defender set to miss rest of season due to hamstring injury

The Catalan giants are planning to sign a replacement for Alejandro Balde who will go under the knife after seriously damaging his hamstring during the club's Copa del Rey clash against Athletico Club earlier this week, according to Marca. The young left-back is likely to be ruled out of action for the remainder of the season because of the injury.

Despite their financial constraints, the reigning Spanish champions could potentially sign a replacement for Balde before the January transfer closes as they could remove the Spanish international's wages for the remainder of the season from their salary bills. This is a move that the club have already done before this season, registering Vitor Roque in place of the injured Gavi in December.

There could be, however, a slight problem with this plan as the new player's wages will be added to the club's salary bill for the 2024/25 season if he joins the club on a long-term deal in January. Barcelona are currently consulting with La Liga and are awaiting confirmation.

After a disappointing exit from the Cope del Rey, Xavi's side will hope to get back to winning ways as they take on Villarreal in a crucial La Liga game on Saturday.