FC Barcelona will be without defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde for their Champions League round of 16 clash against Newcastle United after both players sustained hamstring injuries on March 4.
The duo were substituted during Tuesday’s 3-0 Copa del Rey semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid. Despite the win on the night, Barcelona were eliminated from the competition following a 4-3 aggregate defeat.
In a statement, the club confirmed that Balde is expected to be sidelined for four weeks. No official recovery timeline was provided for Kounde, though reports in Spain indicate he could face a similar spell out.
Their injuries rule them out of the crucial European encounter with Newcastle, as well as important La Liga fixtures against Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla FC, and Rayo Vallecano.
Barcelona’s injury concerns continue to mount, with midfielder Frenkie de Jong also currently sidelined due to a hamstring issue, leaving the Catalan side short-handed at a pivotal stage of the campaign.
Kounde’s injury may also affect his international commitments. The 27-year-old is now doubtful 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.
Meanwhile, Balde faces increasing competition for a spot in Spain’s squad, having fallen behind Marc Cucurella and Alex Grimaldo in the plans of head coach Luis de la Fuente.