Injury Concerns for Barcelona After Copa Del Rey Match

Both Frenkie de Jong and Jules Kounde suffered injuries during Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final on Tuesday. Unfortunately for the Catalan club, they were eliminated 4-3 on aggregate.

Recovery Timeline for Key Players

Barcelona released a statement indicating that the recovery duration for Alejandro Balde will be approximately four weeks. However, the specifics regarding Kounde’s recovery have not yet been disclosed.

Spanish outlets have suggested that the 27-year-old French defender may also face a similar recovery period.

Impact on Upcoming Matches

Both players will be absent from crucial fixtures, including upcoming Champions League matches as well as La Liga contests against Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla, and Rayo Vallecano.

Additional Injury Woes

Barcelona is currently also missing midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Potential National Team Implications

Kounde’s injury raises questions about his availability for France’s friendly matches against Brazil and Colombia in the U.S. at the end of March. These games serve as preparation for the World Cup this summer.

While Balde is a member of the Spain national team, he has not been a first-choice player, trailing behind Marc Cucurella and Alex Grimaldo in the selection process under coach Luis de la Fuente.