FC Barcelona will approach their crucial UEFA Champions League Round of 16 encounter against Newcastle United without two key defenders after fresh injury concerns rocked the squad.
The Catalan giants confirmed that both Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde have sustained hamstring injuries. The duo were forced off during Tuesday night’s 3-0 Copa del Rey semi-final victory over Atlético Madrid. Despite the commanding win in the second leg, Barcelona were eliminated from the competition after losing 4-3 on aggregate.
In an official statement, the club disclosed that Balde is expected to spend approximately four weeks on the sidelines as he undergoes rehabilitation. No specific recovery timeframe was provided for Koundé, but reports in Spain suggest the French defender could face a similar spell out of action.
The injuries come at a particularly delicate point in the season. Both players are now ruled out of the highly anticipated European tie against Newcastle, as well as important domestic fixtures in La Liga against Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla FC, and Rayo Vallecano.
Barcelona’s injury list does not end there. Midfield orchestrator Frenkie de Jong is also nursing a hamstring problem, further stretching the squad depth at a time when the club is juggling domestic and continental ambitions. The absence of key starters in both defense and midfield presents a tactical challenge for the coaching staff as they aim to remain competitive on multiple fronts.
Koundé’s setback may also have implications beyond club football. The 27-year-old defender is now a major doubt for France’s upcoming international friendlies against the Brazil national football team and the Colombia national football team in the United States later this month. Those matches are part of preparations ahead of the summer’s World Cup, making his recovery timeline a matter of concern for the French national team.
As for Balde, his absence could further complicate his standing with the Spanish national side. The young full-back has already slipped behind Marc Cucurella and Álex Grimaldo in the pecking order under head coach Luis de la Fuente. An extended layoff may reduce his chances of reclaiming a regular spot in the national setup.
With decisive fixtures looming on both domestic and European fronts, Barcelona must now navigate a demanding schedule without some of their most reliable defensive options, testing the depth and resilience of the squad at a pivotal stage of the campaign.
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