Official: Barcelona confirm knee injury to key defender; set to miss El Clasico vs Real Madrid

Following his substitution during the game against Granada, FC Barcelona have officially confirmed that Jules Kounde has picked up a knee injury.

“Tests carried out have shown that first team player Jules Kounde has a left MCL sprain. He is out and his recovery will determine his availability,” the official statement from the club read.

Kounde has been pretty much a permanent fixture in the backline this season and has featured in each of the Catalans’ 11 matches across all competitions, starting ten of those.

The 24-year-old was part of the starting XI against Granada last night but had to come off with a knee issue after colliding with a teammate inside his own box.

Initial tests ruled out a serious injury and following more examinations today, Barcelona have revealed that he has suffered a sprain in his left knee.

As such, Kounde will not be joining the France national team for their matches against the Netherlands and Scotland, with Chelsea’s Axel Disasi being called up as a replacement.

As far as Kounde’s return is concerned, reports suggest that there is optimism he will be back in three weeks to be available for the Clasico against Real Madrid.

However, Toni Juanmarti is now reporting that the French international will be out for close to five weeks and as such will not be able to take on the Merengues in the first El Clasico of the season on October 28.