Barcelona wonderkid will be available for El Clasico following minor knock vs PSG

Barcelona wonderkid will be available for El Clasico following minor knock vs PSG The Barcelona vs PSG game saw a rare occurence. Other than Barça actually losing a game for the first time this season, the game saw Alejandro Balde on the pitch for the last 15 minutes of the game. Balde appeared as a substitute for Xavi Espart, who had scored Barcelona’s only goal at the time, when the Catalans were chasing an equaliser. Tactically, it did not make much sense at all, especially as some shoddy piece of defending from Balde actually helped PSG bury the game late on. Why Espart was subbed off A recent report from Mundo Deportivo has now revealed that Espart’s substitution during the final phase of the game was a precautionary measure by Hansi Flick. Espart scored the first goal for Barcelona against PSG. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) It appears the young defender had picked up a slight knock in his ankle, prompting Flick to think about replacing him and avoid taking unnecessary risks. It must be noted that Barcelona are running thin on numbers in defence, with Eric Garcia picking up an injury recently while Andreas Christensen is also sidelined. As a result, Flick decided not to risk anything with regards to Espart, who has been a consistent performer for Barcelona since the start of the season and is a surefire starter at left-back. Espart ready for Real Madrid clash Espart to be available at the disposal of Flick vs Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Quite naturally, Flick’s instinct was to save Espart for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid this weekend. Fortunately, it seems Espart’s knock is not serious enough and thanks to his early substitution, the youngster will be available to feature against Los Blancos . This is a major boost for the Catalan defence, which is currently without Christensen, Garcia, and even Jules Kounde, whose presence against Real Madrid is doubtful due to an injury incurred against Real Betis. Flick, therefore, will have Joao Cancelo, Balde and Espart as his only options in the fullback positions this weekend. In all likelihood, Cancelo and Espart will be the starting full in the Clasico .