The first absentee for Barcelona’s match against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final has been confirmed. Defender Alejandro Balde will definitely miss this El Clásico.

Balde suffered an injury to his left thigh muscle during Barcelona’s match against Leganés. Mundo Deportivo stated that medical tests confirmed he will not recover in time for the El Clásico on April 26. Balde requires approximately three weeks to recover.

Barcelona confirmed Balde’s injury yesterday but did not specify a return date. Mundo Deportivo reported that Barcelona’s management knows Balde needs three weeks to recover. They mentioned that if both Real Madrid and Barcelona advance to the Champions League final, Balde will have another chance to play in El Clásico this season.

If Barcelona takes a risk and pushes Balde, they might be able to field him in the Copa del Rey final. However, Hansi Flick strongly opposes jeopardizing players’ health, and Balde should already be considered a definite absentee for this match.