Barcelona Crisis Deepens As Koundé, Balde Sidelined With Injuries

‎Barcelona will be without defenders Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde for their UEFA Champions League last-16 clash against Newcastle United after both were diagnosed with hamstring injuries on Wednesday.

‎The pair were forced off during Barça’s 3-0 win over Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg a match they won on the night but lost 4-3 on aggregate.

‎”The time of the recovery process (for Balde) will be four weeks,” said Barcelona in a statement, without specifying how long Kounde will miss.

‎Spanish media reported that France international Kounde, 27, is likely to be sidelined for a similar length of time.

‎In addition to their Champions League fixtures, the pair are also set to miss upcoming La Liga matches against Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla, and Rayo Vallecano.

‎Barcelona is currently also without midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who also has a hamstring injury.

‎The setback also puts Jules Koundé in doubt for France’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the United States at the end of March as they prepare for this summer’s World Cup.

‎Meanwhile, Alejandro Balde a Spain international has recently fallen behind Marc Cucurella and Alex Grimaldo in Luis de la Fuente’s selection hierarchy.