Sports
Barcelona defensive crisis deepens as Koundé ruled out of Clásico
October 24, 2026 at 02:00 PM · Updated 43m ago
Barcelona defender Jules Koundé will miss Sunday's Clásico against Real Madrid, coach Hansi Flick has confirmed, citing his ankle injury.
- Flick confirmed Koundé would not be available against Real Madrid, saying the club does not want to risk him.
- Koundé twisted his left ankle in last week's 5–2 win over Real Betis and has not recovered in time.
- Barcelona will also be without Eric García, Dani Olmo, and Andreas Christensen for the match due to separate injuries.
- Flick said the team analyzed its 4–2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday and must improve defensively.
- Dani Olmo will be sidelined for a month with a left calf injury, with Fermín López expected to replace him against Real Madrid.
- Flick is expected to field the same defensive line used against Paris Saint-Germain, and Frenkie de Jong may make his season debut.