Kounde’s Availability for El Clasico Increasingly in Doubt
Barcelona’s medical staff reportedly view Jules Kounde as highly unlikely to be fit for Sunday’s game against Real Madrid because of a painful ankle sprain. Painkilling injections are a possible route to playing, but the club fears that could worsen the problem. With Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo also unavailable, Hansi Flick has a reduced set of defensive choices.
Barcelona returned from a Champions League trip to Paris with several fitness concerns before facing Real Madrid. Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde were absent for the PSG loss, while Dani Olmo picked up an injury in that match and is expected to be sidelined for about a month.
Kounde’s ankle sprain is painful enough that club medical staff see him as very unlikely to be cleared. Injections for pain are an option, but Barcelona worry they might make the problem worse. With those absences, Hansi Flick’s available senior defenders include Pau Cubarsi, Xavi Espart, Joao Cancelo, Alejandro Balde and Gerard Martin.
The uncertainty around Kounde could affect Barcelona’s match preparation and may shape how fans and viewers experience the build-up to El Clasico. Supporters, teammates and coaching staff may feel added tension, while broadcasters and local businesses tied to a major fixture could see attention shift toward injury updates and lineup speculation. The club’s caution over injections may also prompt discussion about player welfare.