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Barcelona Hit by Double Hamstring Blow to Kounde and Balde After Cup Win

Barcelona confirmed hamstring injuries to defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde following their Copa del Rey victory over Atletico Madrid. Kounde's return timeline is uncertain, while Balde is expected to be sidelined for approximately four weeks. This marks the third hamstring injury for the club in a week, following Frenkie de Jong's similar setback. Coach Hansi Flick expressed his frustration and plans to consult with the medical and fitness staff to address the injury crisis ahead of key domestic and Champions League fixtures.

Key Points: Barcelona Confirm Hamstring Injuries to Kounde, Balde

  • Kounde injured left thigh
  • Balde out for four weeks
  • Third hamstring injury in a week
  • Flick to review with medical staff
  • Crucial fixtures ahead
2 min read

Barcelona confirm hamstring injuries to Kounde, Balde after Copa del Rey win

Barcelona lose defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde to hamstring injuries after Copa del Rey win, with Balde out for four weeks.

"We have two injuries more, I am not happy, it's not good. - Hansi Flick"

Barcelona, March 4

FC Barcelona have confirmed hamstring injuries to defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde on Wednesday following their 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

In an official medical statement, the club clarified the nature of both injuries. Barcelona announced that Kounde has sustained a mid-belly hamstring (biceps femoris) injury in his left thigh, adding that his availability will depend on how his recovery progresses. The club did not specify a definite timeline for his return.

"First-team player Jules Kounde has suffered a mid-belly hamstring (biceps femoris) injury in his left thigh. His recovery progress will determine his availability," Barcelona said in a statement on Wednesday.

Regarding Balde, Barcelona stated that the left-back has suffered a distal hamstring (biceps femoris) injury in his left thigh. Medical examinations indicate that his recovery is expected to take approximately four weeks, effectively ruling him out for a significant stretch of crucial fixtures.

"First-team player Alejandro Balde has suffered a distal hamstring (biceps femoris) injury in his left thigh. Examinations indicate that the recovery process will take approximately four weeks," the club informed.

Kounde's injury occurred early in the contest, with the French defender forced to leave the pitch just 11 minutes after kickoff. Balde, who featured during the match, was also unable to complete the game after experiencing discomfort.

Barça have now lost three players to hamstring injuries in the last week after Frenkie de Jong was also ruled out until April.

Coach Hansi Flick is unhappy with the continuous injury concerns and also said that he will talk to the medical team about the fitness of the players.

"We have two injuries more, I am not happy, it's not good," Barca coach Flick told TV3.

"With Frenkie, it's now three in a week, all the same injuries. This cannot happen. We have to speak about that.

"We have to speak about it with the medical staff and with the fitness coaches to avoid losing three players to injury in a week," he added.

The double setback comes at a challenging point in the campaign. Barcelona are set to face Athletic Club, Sevilla FC and Rayo Vallecano in upcoming La Liga fixtures. Additionally, the champion side are preparing for a UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against Newcastle United, which will happen on March 11.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a Barça fan from India, this is heartbreaking news. We finally get a good win and then lose two key players. The timing couldn't be worse with the Newcastle match coming up. Hope they recover soon! 💙❤️
A
Ananya R
Three hamstring injuries in one week? Something is definitely wrong with the training or recovery protocols. The fitness coaches have to answer for this. You can't challenge for titles with half your squad in the treatment room.
V
Vikram M
Tough luck for the team. Balde being out for four weeks is a huge problem. Who will play left-back now? The squad depth will be tested. Vamos Barça, hope the youngsters step up!
J
James A
Respectfully, while the injuries are unfortunate, this has been a pattern for years at Barcelona. The club's medical department needs a complete overhaul. It's not just bad luck anymore; it's a systemic issue affecting performance.
P
Priya S
Oh no! Just when things were looking up. Health of the players is most important. They should take all the time needed to recover properly, even if it means missing big matches. Jaldi theek ho jao! 🙏

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