Softfootball can confirm that Jules Koundé has sustained a left hamstring injury while on duty for FC Barcelona and is expected to miss France’s upcoming March international camp.
The Blaugrana confirmed the setback via their official X handle after Koundé was forced off just 13 minutes into the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid at Camp Nou. Barcelona won the match 3–0 on the night but were eliminated from the competition following a 4–0 first-leg defeat.
Barcelona statement on kounde:
𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 First-team player Jules Kounde has suffered a mid-belly hamstring (biceps femoris) injury in his left thigh. His recovery progress will determine his availability.
In an official statement, the club revealed that the 27-year-old is experiencing pain in the biceps femoris of his left thigh. “He has a left hamstring problem. The length of his absence will depend on how he progresses,” the statement read, indicating that his recovery timeline will be monitored closely in the coming weeks.
Initial assessments suggest Koundé could be sidelined for several weeks, putting his participation in Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clashes against Newcastle United F.C. on March 10 and 18 in serious doubt.
Despite the concern, sources close to the club indicate that the injury is not currently viewed as severe, though caution will be exercised.
The setback also rules the former FC Girondins de Bordeaux defender out of France’s March friendlies in the United States against Brazil national football team on March 26 and Colombia national football team on March 29.
Compounding Barcelona’s defensive concerns, Alejandro Balde who replaced Koundé against Atlético also suffered a similar left hamstring issue during the match and is expected to be out for approximately four weeks. The double blow presents a selection challenge for the Catalan side during a critical stretch of the season.
Elsewhere on the injury front, Brentford F.C. have provided a post-match update on left-back Rico Henry after he was forced off in the 21st minute of their March 3, 2026 Premier League draw against AFC Bournemouth due to a hamstring strain. The club are assessing the severity of the issue, with further updates expected following medical examinations.
With decisive domestic and European fixtures approaching, Barcelona and France will now await clarity on Koundé’s recovery, while Brentford monitor Henry’s fitness during a crucial phase of the Premier League campaign.
