FC Barcelona is grappling with a significant blow ahead of Sunday's crucial La Liga 'El Clásico' against arch-rivals Real Madrid. Star defender Jules Kounde is highly unlikely to feature, having failed to train with the squad on Friday. Kounde, who sustained an ankle sprain during last Saturday's 5-2 victory over Betis, was seen working with a physiotherapist in the gym, effectively ruling him out for the high-stakes encounter.

This injury compounds Barcelona's defensive woes under coach Hansi Flick. The team is already without Eric Garcia, sidelined for three to four weeks with a thigh injury, and Andreas Christensen, who is still recovering from his own thigh issue. Flick has had to call up B-team defenders like Alex Campos, who even traveled to Paris with the senior squad, and B-team midfielders Orian Goren and Ebrima Tunkara to bolster training.

In Kounde's absence, 19-year-old Xavi Espart is the most probable candidate to start at right-back. Espart, who made his first-team debut last season and was an unused substitute in Barcelona's 2-0 league-clinching win against Real Madrid in May, has emerged as a regular in Flick's squad. His versatility, allowing him to play on either flank and contribute offensively, has earned him more game time. Espart even scored his first Champions League goal in the recent 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Speaking to 'Mundo Deportivo', Espart acknowledged the immense challenge of the 'Clásico'. "The truth is it will be a war," he stated, emphasizing the team's determination. "We will go all out; it's a Clasico. You always have to give one hundred percent, and now we have the opportunity to move further ahead in points, so we will fight to the death." If selected, Espart could face a tough test against Real Madrid's formidable Yan Diomande, who recently showcased his scoring prowess with a spectacular volley in their Champions League victory.

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