FC Barcelona coach, HansiFlick, confirmed that JulesKoundé will not be able to play against Alavés on Saturday, after not having participated in the last training session of the week. The absence of the French defender adds to a series of casualties that complicate the team's planning for the match that will be broadcast at 9pm on MovistarPlus.
Barça completed its last work session at the Ciutat Esportiva JoanGamper on Friday, before hosting Alavés. Koundé, who was not able to train with the group during the week, is ruled out for the match and will not arrive in time for the match. Among the other absences are EricGarcia, AndreasChristensen and XaviEspart, all injured, as well as DaniOlmo and RoonyBardghji, who are also sidelined.
To cover the defensive deficiency, Flick turned to players from Barça Atlètic. GuillemVictor, a 19-year-old right back, and ÀlexCampos, an 18-year-old right-back, participated in training and are on the list of possible squads. Campos had already been included in the squads for the matches against PSG and RealMadrid. Also present was EbrimaTunkara, a 16-year-old midfielder who can play as an interior or midfielder, who continues to work with the first team under the supervision of Flick.
The session included internal matches that increased in intensity as the day progressed, before the media left the facilities after enjoying fifteen minutes of observation. Barça faces Alavés with the need to react after the 1-2 defeat against RealMadrid last Sunday, a result that has highlighted the fragility of the team's defense.
With the defense especially hampered by injuries, Flick will have to find creative solutions for this Saturday's game. The absence of Koundé and the other injured players forces the coach to look for alternatives in the youth squad and adjust tactics to ensure a more solid defense against Alavés. The result of this strategy will be reflected in Barça's performance in the match, which will be crucial to regain the trust of the team and its followers.