Barcelona Get Boost as Balde and Casadó Return for El Clásico

Barcelona got some good news before Sunday’s El Clásico against Real Madrid. Alejandro Balde and Marc Casadó are fit and ready to play.

WHAT HAPPENED?

On Saturday, Barcelona confirmed Balde and Casadó are healthy again. Balde missed seven games with a hamstring injury, including big matches like the Copa del Rey final and Champions League semifinals. Casadó has been out since March with a knee injury, missing important games during the season’s end.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Even though they are fit, coach Hansi Flick said neither Balde nor Casadó will start on Sunday. “The moment is not right for them,” he said. Flick praised their replacements, especially Gerard Martín, who did well at left-back. Both players could come off the bench in the second half.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Barcelona can increase their lead to seven points over Real Madrid if they win on Sunday. With only three league games left after this one, a win would put Barcelona in a strong position to win the title. The game starts at 10:15 a.m. ET. Robert Lewandowski is also expected to play, possibly from the bench, after returning from injury against Inter Milan in midweek.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

After El Clásico, Barcelona have three more La Liga games. Coach Flick is being careful with his players, planning to slowly bring back Balde, Casadó, and Lewandowski in these games. “We have three more league matches after Madrid. Tomorrow is more for them to come on in the second half,” Flick said, showing how important it is to manage players well during this important time of the season.