Barcelona will be without defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde for their Champions League last-16 clash against Newcastle United after both were diagnosed with hamstring injuries on Wednesday.
The injuries occurred during Barca’s 3-0 Copa del Rey semi-final win over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, although the Catalans were eliminated 4-3 on aggregate.
In a statement, Barcelona confirmed that Balde will be out for four weeks, while the recovery time for Kounde has not been officially disclosed. Spanish media, however, suggest the 27-year-old France international could be sidelined for a similar period.
The injuries mean both players will also miss upcoming La Liga matches against Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla, and Rayo Vallecano. Barcelona are already without midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is also recovering from a hamstring problem.
Kounde’s absence could impact France’s friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the United States later this month, as the squad prepares for the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Balde, a Spain international, has been behind Marc Cucurella and Alex Grimaldo in coach Luis de la Fuente’s pecking order.
