FC Barcelona has received a timely boost ahead of the season-defining Clásico against Real Madrid, set for Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 2:15 PM GMT at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The club confirmed this Saturday that Alejandro Balde and Marc Casadó have been medically cleared and are available for selection in LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 35.

Both players completed the final training session without issues at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, working alongside the rest of the first-team squad.

Key Reinforcements for Hansi Flick

Head coach Hansi Flick, preparing for his first El Clásico in charge of Barça, welcomes two crucial reinforcements at just the right moment.

Marc Casadó has been out since March 16, after suffering a partial tear of the lateral ligament in his right knee, initially projected to sideline him for two months. His early return is a pleasant surprise.

Meanwhile, Alejandro Balde returns after a distal biceps femoris injury in his left thigh, which kept him out since April 12. His comeback strengthens a left-back position that has seen frequent rotation in recent games.

Injuries Remain, But Title Hopes Are Strong

Despite these returns, Barcelona will still be without Marc Bernal, Jules Koundé, and Pablo Torre, who remain out injured. The absence of Koundé, a mainstay in the backline, is particularly significant.

Nevertheless, Barcelona enters El Clásico as LaLiga leaders, four points ahead of Real Madrid with just four matches remaining. A win on Sunday would bring them within touching distance of the title.

With Balde and Casadó back, the squad gets a much-needed morale and tactical boost for what could be the most decisive match of the 2024–25 season.