Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde is set to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a hamstring injury that will require surgery.
The 20-year-old was forced off in the 23rd minute of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semi-final loss against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday. He was replaced by 17-year-old Hector Fort as the defending La Liga champions exited the competition after a 4-2 defeat.
Balde underwent a scan on Thursday, which revealed a tendon injury in his right hamstring.
He will undergo surgery in Finland and is not expected to feature again this season.
A Barcelona statement read: “Tests show that first team player Alejandro Balde has an injury to the tendon in his right hamstring.
“In the coming days he will undergo a surgical procedure at the hands of Dr. Lasse Lempainen, under the supervision of the club’s medical staff, in Turku, Finland. Once the procedure has been carried out a new statement will be released.”
Balde, who joined the Catalan club at eight years old, signed a new contract until 2028 last September.
He has featured 28 times in all competitions for Barcelona this season, providing one goal and one assist.
Barcelona return to action on Saturday with the visit of Villarreal in La Liga.
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