Barcelona suffer major injury setback to key defender

Barcelona have suffered a major injury setback to key defender Jules Kounde in the midweek UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Inter Milan.

The former Sevilla center-back had to be withdrawn late in the first half in the thrilling encounter that ended 3-3 on the night.

The club has now confirmed that the right-back has suffered a thigh injury, which will keep him out of action for three weeks.

Despite the setback for Barcelona, journalist Victor Navarro reports that Kounde is optimistic to make a comeback for the UEFA Champions League final, should Barcelona make it through.

The French international is expected to miss the next five games against Real Valladolid, Inter Milan (UCL), Real Madrid, Espanyol, and Villarreal.

As things stand, it is unclear if he can make the squad for the final league game of the season against Athletic Club on May 25.

Jules Kounde is set to be sidelined for three weeks after sustaining a thigh injury in Barca’s draw against Inter Milan in the UCL(Image credit: Getty Images)

All things being equal, Kounde is said to be targeting a return to action for the Champions League final, scheduled for May 31 in Munich, provided Barca qualify.

The 26-year-old versatile defender’s presence will be missed dearly as the Catalan side maintains its hope of winning a treble in the current campaign.

However, Eric Garcia, who replaced the Frenchman last night, is expected to start at right-back at the Giuseppe Meazza, ahead of Hector Fort.

On the brighter side of things, both Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski are expected to be available for the trip to Milan, which will come as a major boost for Barcelona as they look to end a ten-year wait for a Champions League final appearance.