Barcelona will likely be without key defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde for their upcoming UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash against Newcastle United.
Both players were forced off during the club’s 4-1 Copa del Rey triumph over Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou, leaving manager Xavi Flick with a significant selection headache.
Kounde suffered a hamstring injury just 10 minutes into the match, and Spanish reports suggest the French international could be out until the end of March.
Balde, who came on as Kounde’s replacement, also picked up a hamstring problem in the second half.
According to SPORT, Balde’s injury is more serious, potentially keeping him sidelined for five to six weeks.
Barcelona will travel to Tyneside to face Eddie Howe’s Newcastle on Tuesday, March 10 for the first leg of the last-16 tie, with the return leg scheduled in Spain on March 18.
