Barcelona ‘to be without’ two key defenders for Newcastle clash | OneFootball

Barcelona are set to be without Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde for the Newcastle United ties. MD reports both have hamstring injuries and are likely to miss about a month, with tests due on Wednesday.

Hansi Flick’s side could not complete their Copa del Rey semi-final comeback against Atletico Madrid and suffered fresh setbacks.

Kounde went off in the 11th minute holding the back of his thigh and was replaced by Balde, with Joao Cancelo shifting to right-back. Before the 70th minute Balde was also forced off in tears with an apparent muscle issue.

That timeline would rule them out of both Champions League Round of 16 meetings with Newcastle United. Flick must also manage La Liga games at Athletic Club, and at home to Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano.

The report said their possible return could come against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano on 4th or 5th April.

Flick said they are going step by step, there is still a lot left in La Liga and the Champions League, and Newcastle United are an important opponent. He added his focus is on recovery and the Athletic Club match.

Barcelona lack specialist full-backs. Eric Garcia has covered at right-back but is mainly a centre-back this season, Gerard Martin started as Balde’s deputy on the left yet has also played centrally, and Cancelo is likely to fill one slot. Kounde and Balde join Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Andreas Christensen and Frenkie de Jong on the injury list.

Source: Football Espana