FC Barcelona will be without defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde for their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Newcastle United F.C. after both were diagnosed with hamstring injuries on Wednesday.
The two defenders were forced off during Barcelona’s 3-0 Copa del Rey semi-final victory over Atlético Madrid on Tuesday. Despite the win, the Catalan side were eliminated from the competition 4-3 on aggregate.
In a statement, Barcelona confirmed that Balde is expected to be sidelined for approximately four weeks but did not specify a recovery timeline for Kounde. However, Spanish media reports indicate that the 27-year-old France international is likely to face a similar spell on the sidelines.
The injuries mean both players will miss not only the Champions League fixtures but also key La Liga encounters against Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla FC, and Rayo Vallecano.
Barcelona are already dealing with another injury setback, with midfielder Frenkie de Jong currently sidelined due to a hamstring issue.
Kounde’s injury also raises concerns for the French national team, as he is now a doubt for France’s upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the United States at the end of March, part of preparations for this summer’s World Cup.
Balde, a Spain international, has recently found himself behind Marc Cucurella and Alex Grimaldo in head coach Luis de la Fuente’s selection hierarchy.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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