Taking to social media, RCD Mallorca winger Amath Ndiaye has issued an apology to Barcelona youngster Alejandro Balde after the former’s horrific tackle left the latter with a serious injury.
Barcelona played Mallorca in their final home game of the 2022/23 season last night at Spotify Camp Nou. It was an emotionally charged event as the Catalans were saying goodbye to two of their club legends in Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, as well as their home ground.
And while they were able to do so on a high with a thumping 3-0 win over Mallorca, the only disappointment on the night came in the form of Balde’s injury.
Just a little over ten minutes into the match, Ndiaye came scything down on Balde with a recklessly high challenge that left the youngster struggling on the ground.
After initially being shown a yellow card, Ndiaye’s sanction was upgraded to a red following a consult with the VAR.
Balde appeared to be in severe pain and had to be carried off the pitch as Sergi Roberto came on to replace him.
Soon after Barcelona confirmed that Balde has sustained a partial tear of the external lateral ligament of his right ankle. He has been ruled out for at least six to seven weeks.
Following the match, Ndiaye took to social media to apologise to Balde and wrote: “Sorry Balde, for my tackle. I didn’t mean any such thing. Get well soon!”
The 19-year-old left-back, who enjoyed an excellent breakthrough season, will now miss the final match of the campaign against Celta Vigo as well as the post-season friendly versus Vissel Kobe in Japan.
Balde is unlikely to be in contention for Spain’s UEFA Nations League assignment next month where they face Italy in the semi-finals.
Wishing him a speedy recovery!
