BARCELONA
Koundé injury update: how many Barça games will he miss? Will he play in Clásico?
Barcelona have released a statement announcing that defender Jules Koundé sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee on Sunday.
Barcelona defender Jules Koundé is set to miss this month’s Clásico against Real Madrid after injuring his knee against Granada on Sunday.
What injury does Koundé have?
Although initial tests have revealed that Koundé has not suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage, Barça have confirmed in a statement that the Frenchman has sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
It is believed that he faces around four weeks out, meaning that Barça’s home LaLiga clash against Madrid, to be played on 28 October, would come too soon for the 24-year-old.
On top of the Clásico, a four-week period on the sidelines would cause him to miss another three Blaugrana games at least: the fixtures against Athletic Club on 22 October, Shakhtar Donetsk on 25 October, and Real Sociedad on 4 November.
De Jong also out of Clásico, others doubtful
Koundé, who will now miss France’s October internationals against the Netherlands and Scotland, joins a growing list of Barça players who have either been ruled out of the Clásico or are in a race against time to be fit.
Frenkie de Jong will be missing as he recovers from an ankle injury, while Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha are doubtful due to ankle and hamstring issues, respectively.
Pedri, who is closing in on a return from a hamstring injury that has kept him out since August, could be fit to face Madrid if he avoids setbacks in his recovery.
Lamine Yamal to link up with Spain despite groin issue
While Koundé has been confirmed as a likely Clásico absentee, there was better news on Monday concerning the fitness of Lamine Yamal, who limped out of Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Nuevo Los Cármenes with a groin complaint.
Barça say the 16-year-old has suffered a minor injury that won’t prevent him from joining up with the Spain squad for international week. He will be evaluated by the Spanish national team’s medical staff ahead of a final decision on his involvement in La Roja’s games against Scotland and Norway.