Ndiaye says sorry for horror challenge which injured Barça's Balde

The only negative note from the last game at Spotify Camp Nou, in which Barcelona beat Mallorca 3-0, was the injury to Alejandro Balde. The Blaugrana full-back will be out for six to seven weeks and will miss this summer's Nations League Final Four with Spain as a result.

Barça were leading 1-0 in the 13th minute when Amath Ndiaye, Mallorca's left winger, committed a chilling foul on Balde. The Senegalese player's challenge cost him a straight red card and the Barcelona defender could not even leave the pitch under his own steam.

¡VAYA ENTRADA! 😰

Alejandro Balde se retiró lesionado tras una falta de Amath Ndiaye que le costó la roja #LaLigaEnDAZN ⚽ pic.twitter.com/uMOEumMpxC

— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) 28 de mayo de 2023

Barcelona were quick to issue a statement on the injury: a partial rupture of the lateral ligament of the right ankle and between six and seven weeks out. It spells the end of Balde's season, one of Xavi Hernández's regulars, and he will miss the UEFA Nations League with the national team. However, he is expected to be available for Barça's pre-season tour.

Amath Ndiaye was heavily criticised for committing such a serious foul. However, the Mallorca forward has not hesitated to use his social media to apologise to Balde: "I'm sorry to Alejandro Balde for the tackle, it wasn't my intention. I hope you recover soon," was the message he posted.

Despite the fact that the gesture on the pitch was very ugly, the Blaugrana fans have applauded Ndiaye for being honest and apologising publicly. Balde, meanwhile, was seen at the Spotify Camp Nou farewell party with his leg immobilised and on crutches.