Barcelona defender remains absent from training ahead of Alaves clash

Barcelona defender remains absent from training ahead of Alaves clash Barcelona have resumed training after two days off following defeat to Real Madrid, with Jules Kounde still working away from the main group ahead of Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Deportivo Alaves at the Camp Nou. According to Mundo Deportivo , the latest session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper brought encouraging news regarding Pau Cubarsi, while three young players from Barcelona’s reserve setup also joined Hansi Flick’s first team. Jules Kounde injury update leaves Barcelona waiting Kounde remains the main concern for Barcelona as he continues his recovery from an ankle sprain.  The French defender missed both the trip to face PSG and the recent meeting with Real Madrid, and he has yet to return to full training with his teammates. His progress over the coming days will be important in determining whether he can feature against Alaves, although there is still hope.  Kounde did not train today. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) With Barcelona looking to respond after consecutive defeats to PSG and Real Madrid, having Kounde available would provide Flick with a strong option in defence.  However, his participation cannot yet be taken for granted. Cubarsi returns to normal training as youngsters join Flick Cubarsi provided a more positive update by completing the session normally with the squad.  The centre-back did not attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Monday after suffering from a fever , prioritising his recovery instead. During the season, Barcelona also brought three young talents into first-team training.  Pau Cubarsi did the training under Hansi Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Midfielder Ebrima Tunkara, centre-back Alex Campos and Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim joined the senior players under Flick. Barcelona prepare for Alaves with a demanding run ahead Saturday’s match against Alaves offers Barcelona an immediate chance to put their disappointing results behind them and regain momentum in the league.  The team will need to turn its attention quickly from the defeats to PSG and Real Madrid towards producing a stronger performance at the Camp Nou. The fixture also marks the beginning of a demanding stretch, with Aston Villa and Atletico de Madrid awaiting Barcelona before the season’s second international break.  Kounde’s recovery will therefore be worth monitoring, while Cubarsi’s return to normal training offers a timely boost as Flick prepares for the upcoming tests.