After a lengthened international, Barcelona must tread with caution as the club had no less than 17 representatives playing for their respective national teams over the past few weeks.
Hansi Flick will be well aware of the fatigue accumulated by these travelling international stars, which is why change could be in the order, as far as the starting eleven against Getafe is concerned.
Flick is already likely to start with Karim Adeyemi over Anthony Gordon on the flanks against Getafe. But there could be one more change on the left flank.
Alejandro Balde set for a rare start
All eyes on Balde against Getafe. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
According to Diario SPORT, the international break could lead to a rare starting opportunity for Alejandro Balde against Getafe.
The Spanish international has struggled with minutes this season, having fallen behind Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo in the pecking order.
And while ideally either of them would start, Cancelo has started the first three games for Portugal while Espart has been involved with the Spanish U21s as well.
That means both of them will return with immense fatigue when Barcelona take on Getafe next weekend. This should open up an opportunity for Balde to start as a left-back.
The youngster is the only other option Flick has in the position, so Balde is the likely choice if the German does indeed opt for major rotations.
What’s in store for Balde’s future?
Can Balde make a comeback at Barcelona? (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
It will be a glorious opportunity for Balde to prove himself after a difficult start to the campaign.
Due to his lack game-time, there has already been immense speculation over his future, with multiple Premier League clubs interested in his services.
Balde, for his part, wants to stay at Barcelona and fight for his place in the first-team. He has a contract at Camp Nou until 2028 and will be determined to prove himself to Flick.
That starts with this game against Getafe, though it remains to be seen whether Flick still fancies to continue to either Espart and Cancelo, despite their heavy action during the break.