Barcelona Suffer Kounde, Balde Injury Blow Ahead Of Newcastle Champions League Clash

Barcelona will head into their Champions League last 16 tie against Newcastle United without defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde after both were diagnosed with hamstring injuries earlier today, March 4.

The pair were forced off during Tuesday’s 3-0 Copa del Rey semi-final win over Atletico Madrid. Despite the win on the night, Barca crashed out 4-3 on aggregate.

“The time of the recovery process (for Balde) will be four weeks,” the club said in a statement. No timeline was given for Kounde, although Spanish reports suggest the France international could face a similar spell on the sidelines.

The setback rules both defenders out of the European showdown with Newcastle and key La Liga fixtures against Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla FC and Rayo Vallecano.

Injuries are beginning to bite. Midfielder Frenkie de Jong is also sidelined with a hamstring problem, leaving the Catalans stretched at a crucial stage of the season.

Kounde’s absence could extend beyond club duties. The 27-year-old is now a doubt for France’s upcoming friendlies against the Brazil national football team and the Colombia national football team in the United States later this month, part of preparations for this summer’s World Cup.

Balde, meanwhile, faces stiff competition at the international level. The Spain full-back has fallen behind Marc Cucurella and Alex Grimaldo in coach Luis de la Fuente’s plans.