Rival watch: Barcelona defender a major doubt to face Real Madrid

Rival watch: Barcelona defender a major doubt to face Real Madrid After it was confirmed that FC Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo would miss Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid , another player from Hansi Flick’s side is now considered a major doubt for the game. Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo , Barça defender Jules Kounde is facing a race against time to be fit for the first Clasico of the 2026/27 season. Kounde recovering from an ankle injury Kounde suffered an ankle injury during Barcelona’s previous La Liga game against Real Betis last Saturday away at Estadio de La Cartuja. The 27-year-old versatile defender was able to complete the match but was seen limping after it was over, and tests on Sunday confirmed a ligament sprain in his ankle. Kounde could miss El Clasico . (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) As a result, the French international was ruled out of Barça’s UEFA Champions League clash against PSG, which they lost 4-2 on Tuesday night. But, there had been hope that the defender could recover in time for Real Madrid’s visit to the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday night. However, now, as per the report, there is great pessimism within the Barcelona coaching and medical staff that Kounde will be able to return in time to face Jose Mourinho’s side. Mounting problems for Barcelona open door for Real Madrid As mentioned earlier, Dani Olmo has already been ruled out of Sunday’s game as he suffered an adductor tear during Barcelona’s game against PSG yesterday. Mounting problems for Flick and Barcelona (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images) Meanwhile, Eric Garcia is also unavailable due to an injury he sustained against Real Betis over the weekend, while Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji will also miss the game. Now, Kounde, too, appears to be a major doubt for the first Clasico of the season, adding to the problems for Hansi Flick & co. It is now up to Real Madrid to capitalise on their opponents’ problems and collect all three points at Camp Nou, in a bid to close down the gap at the top of the table to only three points. Before that though, the focus will be on tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash against RB Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabeu.