Barcelona's Kounde set to miss crucial games with hamstring injury

 

Barcelona's Kounde set to miss crucial games with hamstring injury

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde faces a significant setback after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Champions League semi-final first leg against Inter Milan on April 30, 2025. Medical tests confirmed a distal hamstring issue in his left leg, with the club estimating a recovery period of up to five weeks. This timeline means Kounde is likely to miss pivotal matches, including the second leg against Inter on May 6, 2025, and the highly anticipated La Liga Clasico against Real Madrid on May 11, 2025. Additional games, such as the La Liga fixture against Real Valladolid, could also be affected.

Kounde’s absence is a major blow for Barcelona, as the versatile right-back had been a mainstay, playing 86 consecutive matches before a recent rest. His durability and defensive solidity have been key under manager Hansi Flick, who now faces a challenge to fill the void. Flick is expected to turn to Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, or young Hector Fort to cover the right-back position, with each player offering different strengths to adapt to the team’s needs.

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Meanwhile, Barcelona fans can take some solace in the expected returns of Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski from their respective injuries, which could bolster the squad during this critical stretch. Kounde’s injury underscores the physical demands of a packed schedule, and Flick’s management of the squad’s depth will be crucial as Barcelona aim to stay competitive in both La Liga and the Champions League. The team’s resilience will be tested, but the focus remains on maintaining momentum in their pursuit of silverware.