Another disaster for Barcelona! Defensive star could miss El Clasico against Real Madrid
Barcelona's injury nightmare is getting worse just days before El Clasico! Hansi Flick could lose another important defender for the crucial showdown against Real Madrid, with Jules Kounde facing a race against time to recover.
Details: According to The Touchline, citing journalist Fernando Polo, Jules Kounde remains a major doubt for Sunday's El Clasico against Real Madrid on October 25. The French defender is struggling with a sprained left ankle. Barcelona officially confirmed the injury on October 18 and announced that Kounde would miss the Champions League encounter against Paris Saint-Germain. The club also stressed that his availability for the Clasico would depend on his recovery. No final decision has been announced.
The timing could hardly be worse for Flick. Barcelona suffered a painful 4-2 defeat against PSG on Tuesday, with defensive problems exposed throughout the encounter. Kounde was already unavailable for that match, and his potential absence against Madrid would further complicate the coach's selection plans.
The Catalans are also dealing with injuries to Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo. Garcia faces several weeks on the sidelines because of a thigh problem, while Olmo has been ruled out for approximately four weeks after suffering an adductor injury against PSG. The growing injury list leaves Flick with fewer options ahead of one of the season's biggest fixtures.
Kounde's versatility makes his possible absence particularly concerning. The French international can operate at right back or in central defence, offering important tactical flexibility. Barcelona will now monitor his condition closely before determining whether he can feature against their biggest rivals.
It's worth noting that Barcelona will host Real Madrid at Camp Nou on October 25. Kounde has not officially been ruled out, but his participation remains uncertain as he continues recovering from his ankle injury.
Reminder: Three players out? Barcelona suffer major injury blow ahead of PSG clash.
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
