Barcelona hit by injuries again: Kounde, Eric Garcia, Christensen out

FC Barcelona

The FC Barcelona continues to pile up defensive problems at a particularly demanding point in the season. On Monday's training session left Hansi Flick with few positive takeaways, as he will have to face the Champions League tie against Aston Villa without being able to call on Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen.

The first two have continued working away from the group, while Christensen, who on Sunday had completed part of the session with his teammates, is still not ready to return to competition. As a result, none of the three is expected to be available for Tuesday's European match on November 3.

Three defenders still not back

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Kounde
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Jules Kounde continues recovering from the left ankle sprain he suffered against Betis. The Frenchman has been out for more than two weeks and still has not been able to rejoin the team's usual routine.

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Eric García
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Meanwhile, Eric Garcia is continuing his recovery process from a muscle injury in his right thigh, while Andreas Christensen is in the final stretch of his rehabilitation after the muscle problem he suffered in September. Although the Dane has started doing part of the collective work, his return still requires caution.

These three absences are joined by those of Xavi Espart, Dani Olmo and Roony Bardghji, meaning the Blaugrana will take on the European fixture with six players in the treatment room.

Flick will have to improvise again in defence

The accumulation of injuries is forcing the German coach to look for unusual alternatives. In the 6-1 rout of Alaves, Frenkie de Jong played as a centre-back alongside Pau Cubarsí, while the youngster Brian Fariñas took up right-back.

Both responded to the demands of the match and could again be given a starring role against Aston Villa. Another option would be to bring back Gerard Martín for the heart of the defence and move João Cancelo to right-back.

The situation is especially delicate, given that Barcelona will host the English side this Tuesday at 21:00, before facing another high-demand fixture.

Atletico Madrid next target for the injured

All eyes are now on Sunday, November 8, when Barcelona will travel to Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano.

Koundé and Eric Garcia will try to speed up their return to be ready for that game, while Christensen's involvement also remains surrounded by uncertainty. In any case, Flick does not want to rush the comebacks and risk further setbacks.