Barça - Real Madrid: a major blow is looming!

Suffering from an ankle injury, Jules Koundé remains out of team training ahead of the clash against Real Madrid

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Barça - Real Madrid: a major blow is looming!

25.10.26 16:00 LaLiga Spain

Barcelona

Real Madrid

FC Barcelona could face the Clásico without Jules Koundé. Two days before the fixture, the French defender's physical condition is worrying Hansi Flick.

The countdown is on ahead of Sunday's October 25 clash between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou. But as this La Liga showdown approaches, the news is far from reassuring for Jules Koundé. Suffering from a left ankle sprain, the French defender has still not returned to group training.

According to SPORT and information reported by the Spanish press on Friday, the former Sevilla FC player is continuing his recovery away from the squad. His presence against Real Madrid now appears highly doubtful, although no final decision has been officially announced.

🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Jules Koundé is now a MAJOR DOUBT for El Clásico against Real Madrid on Sunday! The French defender will NOT train with the Barcelona squad today as he continues recovering from a left ankle sprain. Barcelona believe it will be VERY DIFFICULT for him to recover in time, although he has not been completely ruled out. Saturday’s training session will be decisive. — @sport
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 23, 2026

Jules Koundé almost ruled out of the Clásico?

Injured during the match against Betis, Koundé had already missed the Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain. The medical statement published by Barça on October 18 said that his participation in the Clásico would depend on how his sprain developed. However, with only two days to go before the match, the right-back has still been unable to resume normal work with his teammates.

For Hansi Flick, this uncertainty comes at the worst possible time. The German coach could be forced to adjust his right flank in a defensive area already weakened by several injury concerns.

A new defensive headache for Hansi Flick

The coach will notably be unable to count on Eric Garcia, who is injured in the rectus femoris muscle of his right thigh. The Catalan club announced an estimated absence of three to four weeks for the Spanish defender, who can play both centrally and on the right.

This double uncertainty reduces the rotation options ahead of one of the season's most important fixtures. Xavi Espart, who already caught the eye during the European clash against PSG, represents an option on the right flank. The young player, whose contract extension with Barcelona until 2030 had recently made headlines, could therefore be called upon for the major fixture.

Barça, who must also digest their 4-2 defeat to PSG, will therefore enter the duel with a major question mark over their defence. For Koundé, the next few hours will be decisive.

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