FC Barcelona will be without defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde for their Champions League last 16 tie against Newcastle United F.C. Both players have been diagnosed with hamstring injuries.
The duo were forced off during Barcelona’s 3-0 Copa del Rey semi-final win over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Despite the victory, Barcelona were eliminated 4-3 on aggregate. The club says Balde is expected to be out for about four weeks, while Spanish media report that Kounde could face a similar spell on the sidelines.
In addition to the Champions League fixture, both defenders will miss La Liga matches against Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla FC and Rayo Vallecano. Barcelona are also without midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.
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Kounde’s injury also raises concerns over his availability for France’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Colombia later this month. Balde, a Spain international, has been competing for selection under national team coach Luis de la Fuente.
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