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Barcelona left back in race against time to be fit

By Ernesto Hernandez

BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 17: Jordi Alba of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Valencia at the Camp Nou on October 17, 2021 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 17: Jordi Alba of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Valencia at the Camp Nou on October 17, 2021 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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Jordi Alba dribbles past a challenge from  Illia Zabarnyi of FC Dynamo Kyiv during their UEFA Champions League match at Camp Nou on Oct. 20, 2021 in Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Jordi Alba dribbles past a challenge from  Illia Zabarnyi of FC Dynamo Kyiv during their UEFA Champions League match at Camp Nou on Oct. 20, 2021 in Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /

Barcelona’s performance in the Champions League against Dynamo Kyiv is not one that is going to be fondly remembered. They did manage a 1-0 win but it came at a cost.

During the match, left back Jordi Alba was seen being given care near the sidelines by the club’s medical team. However, he did end up playing the entire game.

According to Sport, Alba is in danger of missing the Clasico against Real Madrid. He admitted he picked up a knock after the game but didn’t know to what extent. He was also seen sporting ice on his ankle.

Barcelona left with limited options should Alba miss out

The 32-year-old only recently returned from injury. Despite his age, Barcelona do not have anyone as good as him who can play left back. In his absence they tried the youngster Alejandro Balde and even Sergiño Dest.

Balde is still too young while Dest is most comfortable at right back. In any case, neither provide the presence going forward that Alba does. Even with Lionel Messi no longer on the team, his passes into the box continue to create chaos.

As a result, according to Diario AS, Alba is going to do whatever it takes to be fit, including receiving a cortisone shot to allow him to play. He is cognizant of what a win over Real Madrid might mean not just psychologically but in the league table as well.

Alba did specific work in training on Friday. Manager Ronald Koeman is waiting for news on the defender to see whether or not he will be able to count on him.

Next. Barça face Madrid in Clasico without an edge. dark

All signs indicate that he will be a game-day decision. It will be a significant blow to Barcelona and Koeman if he is unable to play. The Dutchman is going to have to tinker with his line-up as he looks for his first win against Real Madrid since taking over the Catalan side.

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