Barcelona's French defender #23 Jules Kounde (L) celebrates scoring his team's third goal during their Spanish Cup, Copa del Rey (King's Cup) final football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at La Cartuja stadium in Seville on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP)
May 1, 2025
Barcelona, Spain (AFP)—Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is set to miss the Champions League semi-final second leg clash with Inter Milan after he was diagnosed with a hamstring injury on Thursday.
The French right-back went off hurt during the thrilling 3-3 first leg draw on Wednesday, with the return next Tuesday at the San Siro.
“Tests carried out this morning have shown that first team player Jules Kounde has a hamstring injury in his left thigh,” said Barcelona in a statement.
The Catalan giants did not specify his expected absence period but Kounde is a major doubt for the Clasico clash with Real Madrid in La Liga on May 11, and will be unavailable for Saturday’s visit to face Real Valladolid.
Barca lead their arch-rivals by four points and are chasing a potential quadruple this season.
Eric Garcia filled in at right-back for Barca against Inter Milan in the second half at the Olympic stadium.
Kounde, 26, has played 53 games for Barcelona this season across all competitions.