Barcelona’s dependable defender, Jules Koundé, will not be available for the crucial UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg showdown against Inter Milan, following confirmation of a hamstring injury. The setback was officially disclosed by the Catalan club on Thursday morning after medical examinations revealed damage to the Frenchman’s left thigh muscle.
Koundé, who was forced off during Wednesday night’s electrifying 3-3 draw in the first leg at the Olympic Stadium, is now expected to miss next Tuesday’s high-stakes encounter at the San Siro, a fixture that could determine Barça’s fate in their quest for continental glory. The 26-year-old has been a consistent figure in Xavi Hernández’s squad this season, featuring in an impressive 53 matches across all competitions—a testament to his fitness and importance in Barcelona’s backline.
Barcelona, who are currently chasing a historic quadruple—La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League, and Spanish Super Cup—will feel the weight of Koundé’s absence as they approach a season-defining stretch. The club did not specify an exact recovery timeline, but the injury casts serious doubt over the French international’s availability for the fiercely anticipated Clásico against Real Madrid on May 11, a clash that could have major implications for the La Liga title race. At present, the Blaugrana sit four points clear of their arch-rivals atop the league table.
Koundé’s injury also rules him out of this Saturday’s away fixture against Real Valladolid, a team battling for top-flight survival. During the Inter match, Barcelona turned to Eric García to plug the gap at right-back in the second half after Koundé’s early departure. The young Spanish defender is now expected to retain his place for upcoming fixtures, with Barcelona’s defensive options stretched as they navigate a demanding calendar.
This development deals a blow not only to Barcelona’s European ambitions but also to their domestic campaign, as squad depth and fitness become increasingly vital in the season’s final weeks. For a player who has shown durability and consistency throughout the year, Koundé’s untimely setback will be felt both in the dressing room and among the Camp Nou faithful.
