Barcelona injury problems mount as defender Jules Kounde sidelined by knee issue

Barcelona’s Jules Kounde faces an indefinite lay-off after his knee injury was diagnosed as medial collateral ligament damage, the club has said.

The France defender will miss his nation’s forthcoming fixtures against the Netherlands and Scotland and is the latest Barca player to be ruled out through injury.

The 24-year-old was forced out of Barca’s 2-2 LaLiga draw at Granada on Sunday night.

MEDICAL NEWS | Tests carried out have shown that first team player Jules Kounde has a left MCL sprain. He is out and his recovery will determine his availability. pic.twitter.com/1MDDeEhu8T

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 9, 2023

The Catalan club said on their official website: “Tests this Monday morning have revealed that Jules Kounde has sprained the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, and the French defender will be unable to play until the injury heals.

“This also means he will miss out on playing for his country during the international break.”

Kounde has featured in all 11 of Barca’s matches this season, starting in every game bar one, and made his 50th appearance for the club in all competitions in last week’s Champions League win in Porto.

Barca boss Xavi is already without injured players Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.