Barcelona

Barcelona team news vs Atlético Madrid: De Jong out, Raphinha injury, Koundé and Balde latest

Barça face major attacking setback with Raphinha sidelined, while defensive returns offer Hansi Flick a timely boost ahead of Atlético clash.

Isabel Infantes

Roddy Cons

Digital sports journalist

Scottish sports journalist and content creator. After running his own soccer-related projects, in 2022 he joined Diario AS, where he mainly reports on the biggest news from around Europe’s leading soccer clubs, Liga MX and MLS, and covers live games in a not-too-serious tone. Likes to mix things up by dipping into the world of American sports.

Update: Apr 3rd, 2026 11:04 EDT

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Barcelona’s quest to win a second straight LaLiga title resumes this weekend, and Hansi Flick’s team could hardly have asked for a tougher return: Atlético Madrid at Estadio Metropolitano on Saturday, April 4.

Ahead of the game, the German coach revealed it will come too soon for midfielder Frenkie de Jong. However, he confirmed defensive duo Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde are back in contention.

Barcelona concern as another Raphinha hamstring injury confirmed. https://t.co/QpWMbwRJDK
— AS USA (@English_AS) March 27, 2026

De Jong setback, Champions League doubt

“De Jong will be able to start training with the group next week, but we have to take it step by step,” Flick said in his prematch press conference.

With Barcelona also facing Atlético again next Wednesday in the Champions League, those comments suggest the Dutch star has very little chance of featuring in the first leg of the quarterfinal tie.

Raphinha absence opens door

The Barça coach also addressed how he plans to replace key attacker Raphinha, who is set for around five weeks on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury on international duty with Brazil.

“I’m happy with Marcus (Rashford), he plays well. The last few weeks he’s had problems, he’s been injured, so it’s an opportunity for him. There are other options, Fermín López, Gavi. I’m happy that Gavi is at a great level. We’ll see, there are more options.”

❝ The good news is that we’ll have Kounde, Balde and Eric back. De Jong will be able to start training with the group next week, but we have to take it step by step. ❞

🔊 Hansi Flick pic.twitter.com/0LUE73EHFn
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 3, 2026

Defensive reinforcements return

While the absences of De Jong and Raphinha are significant blows, Flick was able to offer a more positive update elsewhere.

“The good news is that we’ll have Koundé, Balde and Eric García back.”

Neither Koundé nor Balde has played since March 3 due to muscle injuries, while García had been dealing with muscle fatigue after being forced off early in the Champions League win over Newcastle on March 18.

LaLiga title race heating up

Barcelona enter the final nine LaLiga games with a four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table.

Their run-in appears slightly more demanding, and the Clásico rivals are set to meet at Spotify Camp Nou in Week 35 on May 10 in a clash that could ultimately decide the title.