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| Jules Kounde of France during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 1 match between France and Austria at Stade de France on September 22, 2022 in Paris, France. |
Barcelona’s worst fears have now been confirmed as Javi Miguel of AS is reporting that Jules Kounde will be out of action for four to five weeks due to injury, effectively ruling him out of the gigantic clash against Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old summer signing suffered an injury while playing for France against Austria in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday night. After tests were conducted in France, it was initially reported that he could be sidelined for a few weeks.
Kounde flew back to Barcelona last evening and went into the club’s Ciutat Esportiva complex earlier today to have himself checked by the club doctors, who carried out further tests on the versatile defender
And, following the latest examination, it has been revealed that Kounde has suffered a rupture of the biceps femoris of the left leg, that will keep him out of action for four to five weeks at the least.
It means that the defender will miss Barcelona’s vital Champions League clashes against Inter Milan at home and away, along with the El Clasico encounter against Real Madrid, which will be a pivotal fixture in terms of the La Liga title race.
However, there is some hope that Kounde could return in time for the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich which will be played at Spotify Camp Nou on October 26.
The Frenchman arrived at Barcelona this past summer from Sevilla and has quickly become a key player in the team. His injury means that Xavi will have to rely on either Hector Bellerin or Sergi Roberto at right-back in the upcoming matches.
With Ronald Araujo also sidelined, it could pave the way for Gerard Pique to get some vital minutes under his belt over the next month after the veteran has barely featured this season.
