Barcelona star Alejandro Balde could be dropped to the bench for the club’s meeting with Celta Vigo on Saturday.

That’s according to Barca insider Toni Juanmarti of Diario Sport, who has provided an insight into the latest developments behind the scenes in Catalunya’s capital.

Balde, it is understood, was forced to sit out training this past Thursday.

This comes with the Spanish international dealing with an ongoing case of ‘muscular discomfort’.

Balde did manage to train alongside the rest of his teammates at The Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Friday, but, ahead of a hectic upcoming fixture list heading into the festive period, Hansi Flick and co. are keen not to take unnecessary risks.

The defender, as a result, could be rested from the off at Balaídos later today.

The favourite to step in in Balde’s place, meanwhile, is Gerard Martín, who has already featured from the off in La Liga on a trio of occasions this season.

Conor Laird – GSFN