According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has completed his team’s final training session before Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid, with Jules Kounde appearing unlikely to feature.
The French defender trained separately from the group as he continues to recover from a left ankle sprain, while academy prospects Alex Campos and Orian Goren joined the first-team session once again.
Jules Kounde likely to miss Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Barcelona held their final training session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper before Sunday’s meeting with Real Madrid.
The first 15 minutes of the session offered a concerning indication regarding Kounde’s availability.
The defender, who already missed the PSG game earlier this week, worked separately from his teammates as he continues to manage a sprain to his left ankle, making his inclusion in the matchday squad unlikely.
Out of El Clasico. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Kounde’s absence would be another setback for Flick, who has already been dealing with several injuries. Eric Garcia is also unavailable, further reducing the German coach’s defensive options ahead of the Clasico.
Alex Campos trained with the senior squad as Flick assessed his alternatives.
The young centre-back had been included in Barcelona’s travelling squad for the Champions League match against PSG, when Kounde and Garcia were unavailable and Gerard Martin was dealing with discomfort before eventually playing.
Orian Goren gets another opportunity after Dani Olmo injury
Orian Goren was another academy player involved in the final training session, alongside the regular presence of Hamza Abdelkarim.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has attracted Flick’s attention after impressing during pre-season.
Orian Goren could be called up against Real Madrid. (Picture courtesy: Instagram/@orian_goren)
The German coach has now called on him again following Dani Olmo’s injury in Paris, giving the youngster a chance to earn his first official call-up to Barcelona’s senior squad.
Although training with the first team does not guarantee selection, the teenager could be rewarded with a place in the matchday squad.
Apart from Kounde, Barcelona are also set to be without four other players for Sunday’s match.
Roony Bardghji is a long-term absentee due to an ACL injury, while Olmo is out with an adductor tear suffered during the Champions League defeat to PSG.
Eric Garcia is sidelined with an injury he picked up against Real Betis last week, whereas Andreas Christensen continues to be unavailable since September.