Jules Kounde Ruled Out for El Clasico

FC Barcelona will be without the services of Jules Kounde for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid this Sunday. Manager Hansi Flick has officially confirmed that the French defender remains unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from a left ankle sprain sustained during the recent victory over Real Betis.

Kounde’s absence was anticipated after he was notably absent from team training sessions throughout the week. While his teammates prepared for the high-profile encounter, the defender was restricted to gym-based rehabilitation and individual work, failing to reach the necessary fitness levels to rejoin the group in time for the match.

This injury has proven to be a significant setback for the Catalan side. Kounde previously missed the Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, and his inability to recover in time for the weekend’s La Liga showdown leaves a notable gap in the defensive line. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing absence of Eric Garcia, who is also sidelined with a thigh injury.

In light of these personnel challenges, reports suggest that Hansi Flick is likely to maintain the same defensive configuration that was deployed during the recent European outing. The team will now look to navigate the intense pressure of the Clasico without one of their key defensive pillars, as they aim to protect their standing in the league table.