Official: Barcelona confirm thigh injury to defensive mainstay – no recovery time specified

Following the announcement of Alejandro Balde’s hamstring injury, FC Barcelona have issued another official statement confirming that Jules Kounde, too, has suffered a thigh injury.

However, unlike with Balde, who will be out for a period of four weeks, the Blaugrana have not specified a recovery timeline for the French right-back.

“Jules Kounde is suffering from an injury in the middle third of the left thigh’s biceps femoris. His recovery will determine his availability,” the statement read.

Kounde, who has featured in all but one of Barcelona’s matches this season, was in the starting lineup last night against Atletico Madrid.

However, with less than ten minutes on the clock, the French international suffered some discomfort in the back of his thigh. Following medical attention, it was decided to take him off the pitch, with Balde replacing him.

Now, Barcelona have confirmed a hamstring injury to Kounde as well, although they have not mentioned a specific timeline for his recovery and comeback.

However, according to Javi Miguel of AS, even though the initial hope was that Kounde’s injury was not as serious as Balde’s, he has a tear in his hamstring and could be sidelined for close to a month.

It would mean that the first-choice right-back will miss the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Newcastle United, along with a few La Liga matches versus Athletic Club, Sevilla, and Rayo Vallecano.