Injured Barcelona star targets return for potential UEFA Champions League final – report | OneFootball

Barcelona suffered a significant blow last night during their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Inter Milan, losing Jules Kounde to an injury.

The French international had to be withdrawn late in the first half and the club have now confirmed that the right-back has suffered a thigh injury, which will keep him out of action for three weeks.

Kounde eyeing Champions League final for return

Building on that, journalist Victor Navarro reports that Kounde’s objective now is for him to make his comeback for the UEFA Champions League final, provided Barcelona make it through.

As things stand, a three-week stint on the sidelines means the former Sevilla ace will miss the next five games against Real Valladolid, Inter Milan (UCL), Real Madrid, Espanyol, and Villarreal.

His involvement in the final league game of the season against Athletic Club on May 25 could also be touch and go.

Kounde wants to be ready for the UCL final. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

As such, Kounde is said to be targeting a return to action for the Champions League final, scheduled for May 31 in Munich, provided Barça qualify.

For Barcelona to make it to Munich, they must overcome Inter Milan next week in the second leg of their semi-final tie in Italy.

Kounde’s absence will be felt during that game and as things stand, Eric Garcia, who replaced the Frenchman last night, is expected to start at right-back at the Giuseppe Meazza, ahead of Hector Fort.

But both Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski are expected to be available for the trip to Milan, which will come as a major boost for Barcelona as they look to end a ten-year wait for a Champions League final appearance.