Barcelona defender’s injury feared to be serious, tests to be conducted today

The international break has brought with it injury woes for Barcelona. The Catalans had as many as 18 players away on national team duty during the two-week period. And just on the first matchday, four players have picked up injuries or knocks.

Dutch duo Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay had to be subbed off against Poland. The former is said to be okay and will stay with the Netherlands national team. But Depay’s injury is a little more serious and he will return to Barcelona.

At the same time, Jules Kounde was injured while playing for France against Austria, while Ousmane Dembele also felt some muscular discomfort during the tie. The latter is said to be fine though and has no major issues.

However, according to Marta Ramon, Kounde’s injury is feared to be a serious one. The journalist states that the French defender might have suffered a tear in the hamstring, which would be a huge concern for Barcelona.

The defender will undergo tests and ultrasound scans today to determine the extent of his injury and the potential recovery time.

Journalist Helena Condis adds that Kounde will be tested at the American Hospital of Paris in Neuilly-sur-Seine in France before returning to Barcelona in the afternoon following which he will be examined by the club doctors.

Kounde arrived at Barcelona this past summer and has quickly become an integral member of Xavi Hernandez’s team. Even though he is a centre-half, the 23-year-old has been deployed as a right-back by the manager where he has thrived.

So, his injury while away on international duty with France will come as a big blow for the Blaugrana. More updates will emerge later today once the scans are complete and Barça will hope that the injury is not as bad as initially feared.

The Catalans resume their campaign with an away clash against RCD Mallorca on October 1, following which an intense fixture schedule awaits them until the World Cup in November. And having Kounde fit will be crucial during that period for Barça.