Barcelona's defensive line has taken a blow with the announcement that Jules Koundé will likely miss the second leg of their Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan. The French defender sustained a hamstring injury during the high-octane 3-3 draw in the first leg on Wednesday and underwent medical tests the following day, which confirmed the issue.
In an official statement released on Thursday, Barcelona confirmed Koundé’s injury affects his left thigh, though the club did not provide a timeline for his recovery. This uncertainty casts doubt over his availability for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid on May 11, and he has already been ruled out of Saturday's league clash against Real Valladolid.
Koundé’s absence could be significant as Barcelona continue their pursuit of four titles this season. With the team currently holding a four-point lead over Real Madrid in LaLiga, every match counts, and losing a key defender at this stage could impact their momentum and stability at the back.
During the second half of the first-leg match against Inter Milan, Eric Garcia stepped in at right-back to replace Koundé. The 26-year-old Koundé has been an essential figure for the Catalan side, appearing in 53 matches across all competitions this season, showcasing his importance to Xavi's tactical setup.
ADD A COMMENT :