Barcelona have suffered a major setback ahead of their crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan, with defender Jules Kounde ruled out due to injury.
The French full-back sustained a hamstring problem during the thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg on Wednesday and was subsequently forced off the pitch. The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday at the San Siro.
Confirming the development in a statement released Thursday, Barcelona said, “Tests carried out this morning have shown that first team player Jules Kounde has a hamstring injury in his left thigh.”
Although the club refrained from giving a timeline for his recovery, Kounde is now a serious doubt for the eagerly anticipated La Liga showdown against Real Madrid on May 11.
He will also be sidelined for Saturday’s away fixture at Real Valladolid.
Barcelona currently hold a four-point advantage over their El Clasico rivals and remain in contention for a historic quadruple.
During the second half of the clash with Inter at the Olympic Stadium, Eric Garcia stepped in to cover Kounde’s position at right-back.
Kounde, 26, has been a key figure for the Catalan side this season, racking up 53 appearances across all competitions.
