FC Barcelona has received a very hard blow at the most important moment of the season. One of the most solid pieces of the blaugrana scheme will be out of action for the upcoming key commitments. His absence has been confirmed and it is a huge setback for Hansi Flick, who considers him his number one player in defense.
The Injury That Set Off Alarms
Everything happened in the first half of the first leg against Inter Milan, corresponding to the Champions League semifinals. It was the 42nd minute when Jules Koundé asked for a substitution. The hands on the back of his thigh said it all: muscle injury in the right leg's hamstrings.
He was replaced by Eric García, but the concern had already settled in the coaching staff and the fans. The severity of the problem was confirmed later. According to Helena Condis, Jules Koundé will not only miss the return leg in Milan, but he will also be absent against Real Madrid on May 11.
An Irreplaceable Pillar
Jules Koundé is not just any player. He has been the footballer with the most minutes and matches played this season at Barça: 53 matches played.
He only rested against Mallorca in the last league match. His consistency and performance made him indisputable for Flick.
Additionally, he was the unexpected hero of the Copa del Rey final. He scored the decisive goal in extra time against Real Madrid, thus crowning an outstanding season on a personal level. That's why his absence hurts so much.
What Now?
The definitive medical tests are scheduled for this Thursday. Everything points to a hamstring tear, which would keep him sidelined for at least two weeks. With this schedule, that means missing, at a minimum, the return leg against Inter at San Siro and the league clásico.
In his place, Eric García takes the lead to fill the position, although Flick might consider other alternatives, such as the young Pau Cubarsí. The good news is that Alejandro Balde could be back to reinforce the left-back, although his physical condition is still an unknown.
Flick Loses His Number One
Hansi Flick has made it clear on multiple occasions the importance of Koundé for his project. He has defined him as "the number one," the player who balances and supports the team from the back. Now, he will have to find solutions to cover a loss that, at this moment, seems irreplaceable.
Barça is playing for their European future in Milan and will do so without their defensive leader. The final stretch of the season is complicated, and the locker room knows it. The hope is that the rest of the team will step up, but Koundé's shadow will be difficult to cover.