Barcelona have confirmed Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde both sustained hamstring injuries against Atletico following the 3-0 Copa del Rey clash.
Kounde lasted only 11 minutes of the game before having to be replaced, while Balde come on but couldn’t finish the match as he also picked up a problem.
Here are Barcelona’s official statements:
“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.
“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 4 weeks.”
The news means that Barcelona are set to be without both players for games against Athletic Club, Sevilla, and Rayo Vallecano in La Liga as well as the Champions League round of 16 tie against Newcastle.
Hansi Flick will therefore have to make changes to his backline. Joao Cancelo is likely to continue in the starting XI, while Eric Garcia should return after being suspended for the midweek match.
