Veteran Barcelona defender likely to return against Alaves – report

Veteran Barcelona defender likely to return against Alaves – report Barcelona could welcome Jules Kounde back for their La Liga meeting with Alaves on October 31, with the French defender reportedly expected to be available after missing El Clasico against Real Madrid.  According to Nil Sola , the right-back is moving towards a return as Hansi Flick looks for solutions to Barcelona’s growing defensive injury problems. Jules Kounde injury update Kounde missed Barcelona’s Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain and the subsequent El Clasico after suffering a sprain to his left ankle .  His availability for the clash against Real Madrid had depended on his recovery, but he ultimately failed to regain fitness in time. The French international now has an opportunity to make progress before Barcelona face Alaves this weekend .  Jules Kounde could return against Alaves. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) With no Champions League fixture scheduled in midweek, the additional recovery time could prove valuable as he works towards returning to full fitness. According to the report, the expectation is that Kounde will be available for the Alaves fixture. However, his involvement will depend on his condition and Barcelona’s final assessment before the match. Barcelona defensive injuries increase pressure on Flick Kounde’s potential return comes at an important moment for Barcelona, whose defensive options have been affected by several injuries.  Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen and Kounde have all been dealing with muscle or injury-related problems, leaving Flick with fewer established options at the back. Xavi Espart was injured against Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The situation became more concerning during El Clasico, when academy defender Xavi Espart was forced off and had to be replaced by Alejandro Balde.  Espart is awaiting further medical tests, leaving uncertainty over the extent of his injury. Barcelona will need greater clarity on Espart’s condition before determining their available defensive options for the coming fixtures.  Until then, Kounde’s recovery will be a possible boost for a team seeking greater stability after losing to Real Madrid.