FC Barcelona will be without defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde for their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie against Newcastle United after both sustained hamstring injuries.
The duo were forced off during Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final on Tuesday, a result that was not enough to prevent elimination following a 4-3 aggregate defeat.
In a statement on Wednesday, Barcelona confirmed Balde will be sidelined for approximately four weeks. The club did not specify Kounde’s recovery timeline, but Spanish media reports indicate the France international could face a similar spell out.
The injuries rule both players out of the Champions League fixtures against Newcastle, as well as upcoming La Liga matches against Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla FC and Rayo Vallecano.
Barcelona are also without midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.
Kounde’s absence could affect his availability for France’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the United States ahead of this summer’s World Cup. Balde, meanwhile, remains part of Spain’s setup under coach Luis de la Fuente.
