Barcelona hit by injury as Jules Kounde exits early against Atletico

Jules Kounde was forced off after just 11 minutes of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey clash with Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou, dropping to the turf and clutching his right calf. The club's medical staff, led by Dr. Ricard Pruna, attended him immediately and determined he could not continue.

The setback prompted an immediate reshuffle from Hansi Flick. Joao Cancelo moved from the left to his more natural right-back slot, while Alejandro Balde was introduced on the left—adding width but lacking the defensive solidity Kounde supplies in transition. Barcelona had gone into the match seeking a comeback after a 4-0 first-leg defeat.

Kounde joins a stretched injury list that already includes the suspended Eric Garcia, long-term absentees Gavi and Andreas Christensen, plus the current absence of Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski. Lewandowski is nearing a return but would have to wear a protective mask if he features against Athletic Club after suffering a facial fracture against Villarreal.

Spain, Barcelona

jules kounde, barcelona, atletico madrid, camp nou, right calf, hansi flick, joao cancelo, alejandro balde, injury list, robert lewandowski