Report: Barcelona defender replaced by Chelsea ace in national team squad

Following his injury during last night’s contest against Granada, Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has been withdrawn from the France national team squad, reports Fabrice Hawkins.

The 24-year-old sustained an injury to his left knee during Barça’s 2-2 draw against Granada and had to be withdrawn just before half-time.

Following the game, reports suggested that Kounde might have sprained his left knee and could be set for a spell on the sidelines during the international break.

The centre-back is undergoing tests at Barça’s training facilities as of writing and there has not been an official update on his condition from the club or the France setup.

But, Fabrice Hawkins is reporting that Kounde will not be a part of the France squad for their upcoming matches against the Netherlands and Scotland over the next ten days or so.

Instead, Kounde will be replaced by Chelsea defender Axel Disasi in Didier Deschamps’ squad for the two matches.

An update could emerge from the club in the coming hours while Deschamps’ press conference later today could shed further light on Kounde’s condition.

For now, though, it appears that the versatile centre-back will be on the treatment tables for the next couple of weeks, with the hope being to have him back in time for the first El Clasico of the season against Real Madrid on October 28.