Barcelona Prepares For El Clasico Without Injured Jules Kounde

FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick faces a significant tactical hurdle as preparations conclude for Sunday’s high-stakes El Clasico clash against Real Madrid. The final training session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper provided clear indications that French defender Jules Kounde is highly unlikely to feature, forcing the German coach to dig deep into his squad and academy resources.

Kounde has been working separately from the main group as he continues to manage a sprain to his left ankle. Having already missed the Champions League encounter against Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the week, the defender’s continued absence compounds an already severe defensive injury crisis for Barcelona heading into the defining fixture of the campaign.

Visual Tactical Pitch Lineup Board

Defensive Injury Crisis Deepens For Hansi Flick

The potential absence of Jules Kounde represents a major setback for Hansi Flick, who is already grappling with a severely depleted backline. Eric Garcia remains sidelined after picking up an injury during the league victory against Real Betis last week. Furthermore, Andreas Christensen has been unavailable since September, leaving Barcelona’s defensive rotations stretched thin ahead of the most demanding fixture in domestic football.

To compensate for these recurring fitness issues, Flick has integrated academy prospects into senior training sessions. Young centre-back Alex Campos has once again trained with the first team, having previously travelled with the squad for the Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain when defensive cover was similarly scarce. Gerard Martin is also managing physical discomfort but is expected to grit through his issues to support the backline.

Academy Prospects And Midfield Adjustments

Beyond defensive concerns, Barcelona are dealing with notable absentees further up the pitch. Dani Olmo suffered an adductor tear during the Champions League encounter in Paris, adding to a treatment room that already includes long-term absentee Roony Bardghji due to a severe ACL injury.

In response to Olmo’s absence, 17-year-old attacking midfielder Orian Goren has caught Flick’s eye following encouraging displays during pre-season. Goren participated fully in the final training session alongside regular academy presence Hamza Abdelkarim. While training with the senior squad does not guarantee an immediate starting role, Goren is in contention to earn his first official competitive call-up to the Barcelona matchday squad for El Clasico.