Barcelona implements new workload strategy as Balde misses training

Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde was absent from group training on Tuesday morning, undertaking an individual fitness programme as part of the club’s newly introduced pre-season workload management strategy. The decision, attributed to fitness coach Benjamin Kugel, was precautionary in nature and not related to any injury.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the 22-year-old did not train alongside the rest of Hansi Flick’s squad at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Instead, he completed specific exercises away from the group to manage accumulated fatigue and reduce the risk of overload or muscle-related injuries ahead of the demanding weeks to come.

Balde becomes the first senior player to follow one of these tailored sessions away from the main squad. The personalised programme forms part of a broader fitness approach introduced by Kugel, who recently joined the club, with the objective of maximising player performance while mitigating physical risks during the pre-season period.

In Balde’s absence, 17-year-old academy left-back Jordi Pesquer was called up to train with the senior squad. Barcelona resumed pre-season preparations on Tuesday with a session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, but Balde remained one of the notable absentees from the main group activity.

The club is scheduled to hold a double training session on Wednesday, which will determine whether the left-back rejoins full team activities or continues with his individual programme. The move comes as Balde faces severe competition for the left-back role next season, with ongoing speculation regarding the permanent signing of Joao Cancelo, whom Flick values for his tactical versatility.

Despite the speculation surrounding his future, reports indicate that Balde has no intention of leaving Barcelona this summer. The Spain international remains committed to fighting for his place within the squad as Flick prepares for the new campaign.