# Fabián Balbuena

> Defender · Paraguay · [Grêmio](https://betsprinter.com/teams/1719) · [Canonical HTML](https://betsprinter.com/players/24512)

## Quick facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Age | 34 |
| Date of birth | 1991-08-23 |
| Nationality | Paraguay |
| Position | Defender |
| Jersey | #2 |
| Height | 189 cm |
| Weight | 88 kg |
| Current club | [Grêmio](https://betsprinter.com/teams/1719) |
| Competition | [Serie A](https://betsprinter.com/leagues/29) |

## Season snapshot

| Metric | Value |
| --- | ---: |
| Season | 2026 |
| Competition | Serie A |
| Appearances | 7 |
| Minutes | 586 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Average rating | 6.64 |

## Last matches

| Date | Competition | Opponent | Min | G | A | xG | xA | Rating |
| --- | --- | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| Sun 10 May | Serie A | Flamengo | 90 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 6.67 |
| Sat 2 May | Serie A | Athletico PR | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0.04 | — | 7.01 |

## Availability

- **injury** (Hamstring Injury) — since 2026-05-15

## Profile

### Veteran defender battling fitness questions at Grêmio[^fact-1]

## Profile
34‑year‑old Paraguayan centre‑back, listed as a defender, currently on the books at Grêmio[^fact-1]. The profile is of a seasoned, low‑volume defensive option who has featured sparingly in Serie A this season but remains a senior presence in the squad[^fact-1].

## Season form
Minutes and selection have been limited: 7 appearances for a total of 586 minutes across the campaign[^fact-2]. Output in the attacking third has been negligible — the last five matches show 0.04 expected goals (xG)[^fact-4], and there have been 0 goals and 0 assists across the most recent sample, with 180 minutes recorded across the last two appearances[^fact-5]. The provider’s average rating for the season sits at 6.64, a middle‑of‑the‑road mark that reflects modest, workmanlike performances rather than standout displays[^fact-3].

## Availability & momentum
Availability is the pressing concern: currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, which curtails immediate selection options[^fact-7]. The last outing before the layoff was a 0–1 defeat at Flamengo, in which the player recorded 0 goals, 0 assists and a match rating of 6.67[^fact-6]. That appearance underlines the current momentum — involvement without tangible attacking returns and an average match rating consistent with the season figure[^fact-6][^fact-3]. The hamstring issue interrupts any attempt to build match rhythm after those limited minutes[^fact-7].

## What to watch
Next fixture on the calendar is a trip to face Santos on 2026-05-23T22:00:00+00:00; availability for that match will hinge on recovery from the hamstring problem[^fact-8][^fact-7]. For managers and match analysts tracking defensive continuity, the immediate value is in monitoring recovery timelines and whether the player can return to his pre‑injury minute pattern of roughly 80–90 minutes per start (season minutes imply limited starts overall)[^fact-2]. On the statistical front, there is no evidence this season of offensive contribution to target — xG across the last five is 0.04 and goals/assists stand at zero in the recent sample — so any selection upside should be judged on defensive solidity and fitness rather than attacking upside[^fact-4][^fact-5].

### Cited facts

[^fact-1]: **Identity** — 34 years old · Paraguay · Defender · current club Grêmio.
[^fact-2]: **Season volume** — 7 appearances (2026), 586 minutes on the pitch.
[^fact-3]: **Average rating** — Provider rating averages 6.64 across the season.
[^fact-4]: **Expected output (last 5)** — Last 5 matches: 0.04 xG.
[^fact-5]: **Recent form (last 5)** — 0 goals, 0 assists, 180 minutes across the last 2 appearances.
[^fact-6]: **Last match** — Flamengo 0–1 (L) — 0 goals, 0 assists, rating 6.67.
[^fact-7]: **Availability** — Currently sidelined (injury — Hamstring Injury).
[^fact-8]: **Next fixture** — Next: Santos on 2026-05-23T22:00:00+00:00.

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