Barcelona’s 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in their Champions League semifinal first leg was a hard-fought encounter, but they also suffered the loss of Jules Kounde.
The French international was subbed off before halftime due to a thigh injury and had recently been confirmed by the club to require approximately three weeks to recover.
Although Jules Kounde was assessed to have missed five crucial matches, including the second leg against Inter and El Clásico, there is some good news on the horizon.
A three-week absence would see Koundé miss league matches against Real Valladolid, Real Madrid, Espanyol, and Villarreal, with his availability for the final league match against Athletic Club also in serious doubt.
Still, Koundé is determined to be involved in what would be would be a final showing a level of commitment and the importance of the occasion—a chance to lift a Champions League trophy and end Barcelona’s ten-year wait for European honours.
Reports by journalist Victor Navarro suggest that Jules Kounde already has plans to return for a potential Champions League final on May 31 in Munich if Barça can beat their Italian opponents next week.
With Koundé out, it’s likely that Hansi Flick will throw Eric García into the right back position for the San Siro clash with teenage prospect Héctor Fort as the fallback.
They may be eased by the returns of Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski, which could make a difference in Milan.
Koundé’s injury puts another yet another defensive dent into Barcelona, but his aim to come back gives the squad additional incentive: fight past Inter, and their defensive rock may be available when it matters most in Milan.
And they couldn’t have more on the line than what is in front of them.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
