Barcelona’s first-choice left-back looks to be struggling with injuries and conditioning. Alejandro Balde may miss the Villarreal game due to an ankle injury.

This assertion comes from Toni Juanmarti and Ferran Correas of SPORT, who say Balde has ankle pain after a terrible move in Friday morning training.

Balde’s absence could be a major blow.

The 19-year-old has been Xavi Hernandez’s first-choice left-back for Barcelona during the last year.

Balde replaced Jordi Alba as the manager’s left-sided defender last season and had been in terrific form throughout pre-season.

The adolescent academy graduate’s left-wing offensive talent is crucial to Xavi’s Barcelona system, and his absence could be devastating.

Balde’s injury is yet unknown, but Xavi’s press conference tomorrow may reveal more.

Marcos Alonso’s registration now a priority

Balde’s absence might leave Barcelona without a natural left-back for the Villarreal match given they have yet to sign Marcos Alonso.

According to the article, the experienced Spaniard’s registration will be a priority before Sunday’s game.

It was rumored that Barça will sign Inaki Pena first then Alonso if there was enough room after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s downward renewal.

Balde’s status changes everything, and the left-back’s registration will be handled first so he may play against Villarreal.

Though Javi Miguel says Balde will start on Sunday, there are contradictory reports about his health. We may have to wait for Xavi’s news conference to discover the situation.