FC Barcelona has reported that defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde sustained hamstring injuries after their recent victory over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey. Kounde suffered a mid-belly hamstring injury in his left thigh, with his return dependent on his recovery progress. On the other hand, Balde’s distal hamstring injury is expected to sideline him for around four weeks, impacting crucial upcoming fixtures.
Kounde had to exit the match early due to his injury, while Balde, who also played, could not finish the game due to discomfort. This adds to Barcelona’s injury concerns, with Frenkie de Jong already out until April. Coach Hansi Flick expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, emphasizing the need to address the recurring injury issues with the medical and fitness teams to prevent further setbacks.
The timing of these injuries is particularly challenging for Barcelona, as they gear up to face Athletic Club, Sevilla FC, and Rayo Vallecano in La Liga matches. Additionally, they are preparing for a UEFA Champions League Round of 16 encounter against Newcastle United on March 11.
