- One of Barcelona’s first-team stars suffered a gruesome injury against Las Palmas
- Concerned team-mates watched on as the youngster was carried off the pitch
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There was immediate concern for Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde as the youngster appeared to begin vomiting blood following a nasty collision on Saturday.
Balde started at left-back for Hansi Flick’s side in the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium clash that the LaLiga leaders hoped would give them the perfect platform to extend their lead over rivals Real Madrid.
Eventually, visitors Las Palmas came out shock winners in the contest as Fabio Silva scored a late winner, but Balde’s worrying substitution marred much of the action as concerned team-mates watched on.
The 21-year-old was wrestling for possession with Sandro Ramirez and went down clutching his neck while appearing to be coughing and choking.
Barcelona physios then rushed onto the pitch as Balde began throwing with blood gushing out of his mouth and onto the field, as reported by Spanish outlet Dentro De Juego.
GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING.
Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde appeared to be vomiting collision in Saturday’s defeat against Las Palmas
Balde had started the match at left-back before being substituted following the concerning injury
The 21-year-old defender looked to be in pain as he was removed from the pitch on a stretcher
The gruesome scenes prompted further intervention from medical staff and it was clear Balde would play no further part in the fixture and he was quickly placed onto a stretcher.
A specially-equipped golf buggy then drove Balde off the pitch with the defender continuing to receive medical treatment with it yet to be confirmed what the specific problem was.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal was amongst those watching on cautiously as he stood in the dugout and appeared concerned while treatment was offered to the injured star.
Gerard Martin replaced Balde for the remainder of the match as Barcelona held out for the first-half before conceding just a few minutes into the second period of play.
Ramirez – who Balde had tussled with – initially gave Las Palmas the lead only for former Leeds winger Raphinha to equalise with his 10th LaLiga goal of the season.
The hosts were then stunned as Silva scored a late winner to reduce their lead at the top of the table to just four points.
Concerned fans quickly took to social media after spotting Balde throwing up, with one post on X stating: ‘The priority right now is the players health, can’t be thinking about anything else. Really hope he’s alright, man. That was nasty.’
Another onlooker similarly added: ‘I was watching the game but I feel bad for Balde as he was vomiting blood, hope it’s not a serious injury.’
Some reports in Spain suggest Balde has now recovered fully from the incident and could be available for the club’s midweek clash against Mallorca.
