Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde’s hamstring injuries have been confirmed, dealing Barcelona a significant blow ahead of their Champions League last-16 matchup against Newcastle United.

The two defensive players were hurt during the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal match against Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona was eliminated 4-3 overall despite winning 3-0 on the night, and the loss of two first-choice defenders made matters worse.

Medical update confirmed

In an official statement, the club confirmed: “First-team player Jules Kounde has suffered a mid-belly hamstring (biceps femoris) injury in his left thigh. His recovery progress will determine his availability.”

A separate announcement addressed Balde’s condition: “First-team player Alejandro Balde has suffered a distal hamstring (biceps femoris) injury in his left thigh. Examinations indicate that the recovery process will take approximately 4 weeks.”

Balde is essentially ruled out of both legs against Newcastle due to his anticipated timescale, and Kounde’s rehabilitation progress will determine whether or not he plays.

Balde, who was brought in during the reshuffle, was unable to finish the game, and Kounde was dismissed after just eleven minutes.

At this crucial point in the season, head coach Hansi Flick needs to rearrange his back line.Barcelona leads La Liga by four points, but the timing of these injuries puts more pressure on the team’s depth.

Raphinha, the club captain, called for perseverance in spite of the setback.

“I am very proud of this team,” he said. “If we continue playing like this, we will have a spectacular end to the season… We are disappointed not to go through to the final, but with more positive conclusions than negative ones.”

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