MADRID, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona may have to make a late move in the transfer market to sign a left back after Spain international Alejandro Balde needs an operation on the hamstring injury he suffered in their Copa del Rey defeat away to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday night.
Balde had to limp out of the game after just over 25 minutes and the club on Saturday confirmed the worst fears with a communique.
"The tests carried out have shown that Alejandro Balde has suffered an injury to the hamstring tendon of his right thigh. In the coming days he will undergo surgical treatment by Dr. Lasse Lempainen, under the supervision of the medical services of the Club, in Turku [Finland]. At the end of the intervention, a new medical report will be provided," explained the club.
The injury will keep Balde out of action for around five months and means he won't play again this season.
Balde's injury also means he has no chance of recovering to play for Spain in this summer's European Championships.
