"Barcelona were able to end the year on a high as they secured a 2-0 win over Villarreal to maintain their lead at the top of the table. However, it was a bittersweet moment for Barcelona as the joy of the win was soured by an injury to star defender Jules Kounde. The French international was forced to leave the pitch at the Estadio de la Cerámica in visible pain. Diario AS reports that Kounde suffered a strain in the back of his right leg during the match against Villarreal."
"While definitive tests are scheduled for Monday, the initial feeling within the dressing room is rather pessimistic. The report adds that the defender could face a spell on the sidelines of three to four weeks, which would be a major blow for Hansi Flick. It would almost certainly rule Kounde out of the upcoming Catalan derby against Espanyol and, crucially, the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah, where Barça are set to face Athletic Club in the semi-final."
"With no natural replacement readily available on the right flank, Flick will be forced to improvise. Fortunately, the German coach has successfully tested emergency solutions in the past, including Marc Casado and Eric Garcia. Everything points to Garcia being the chosen one. The Spaniard has shown enormous potential playing as a fullback in Flick's system, although his success as a midfielder could force Flick to try his luck with Casado as well."
Barcelona defeated Villarreal 2-0 to finish the year top of the table, but Jules Kounde sustained a strain in the back of his right leg and left the match in visible pain. Definitive medical tests are scheduled for Monday, and the initial atmosphere in the dressing room is pessimistic. Kounde could miss three to four weeks, likely ruling him out of the Catalan derby against Espanyol and the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Jeddah. With no natural right-flank replacement, Hansi Flick may improvise with Eric Garcia or Marc Casado, with Garcia the probable choice.
Read at Barca Universal
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