Barcelona's Alejandro Balde replaces injured Jose Gaya in Spain's FIFA World Cup squad 

The 19-year-old's inclusion means as many as 17 players from the Blaugrana will participate in Qatar.

Luis Enrique has called up Barcelona's young left-back Alejandro Balde to replace Jose Gaya in Spain's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Valencia left-back, Gaya, sprained his ankle in training and is sidelined for at least 10 days. He is bound to miss the group stages. Spain has declared that Barcelona's 19-year-old left-back will make his national team debut in the Qatar World Cup.

Balde has established himself as a regular starter under Xavi and has almost every game for the Blaugrana this season. In total, the left-back made 16 appearances and contributed three assists. His progression at Barcelona has been convincing, with him becoming the first-choice left-back ahead of Marcos Alonso and Jordi Alba.

At Barcelona, the lack of a right-back forced Xavi to use Balde as a makeshift right-back and the 19-year-old has excelled regardless.

Balde's inclusion makes Barcelona the team with the most players in Spain's squad for the FIFA World Cup (17). That list includes a quintet of teenagers: Pedri, Gavi, Ansu Fati, and now Balde.

Enrique was optimistic about Gaya's rehabilitation. However, his recovery showed no indications of him being available for the group stages and forced the coaches' hand in naming a replacement. Although Spain might have waited until Tuesday, 24 hours before their first encounter against Costa Rica. Enrique has shown tremendous faith in Balde by sending Gaya home.

And this is a fantastic opportunity for Balde to showcase his potential on the biggest platform in sports. And now, the Barcelona full-back is Luis Enrique's first replacement call-up in his 26-man squad.