According to a report by Barca Universal on Wednesday October 21, 2026, Barcelona are growing increasingly concerned over Jules Kounde’s chances of recovering in time for Sunday’s El Clasico clash against Real Madrid after the defender continued to suffer from major discomfort following a serious ankle sprain.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Frenchman’s situation has led to the club’s coaching staff growing pessimistic over his chances of being fit for the big game.

The defender sustained the injury during Barcelona’s La Liga clash against Real Betis on Saturday. The 27-year-old managed to finish the game before returning to the Camp Nou on Sunday morning with a limp.

Tests on the weekend confirmed a sprained ankle, with the player already ruled out for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

His participation against the French giants was placed in doubt with Eric Garcia’s injury and Andreas Christensen’s ongoing absence, leaving Hansi Flick with little cover in the heart of defence.

Now, the situation has grown even more concerning for the Catalan giants after further tests revealed that the defender is still feeling major discomfort.

Before the clash against PSG, Flick had suggested that Kounde could be fit enough to face Real Madrid. He added that the defender would need to undergo further tests to determine his ability to return to action.

However, as things stand, it appears increasingly unlikely that he will be able to return to the field in the week. The player is continuing to feel pain and struggles to put weight on the limb.

While an injection could help ease the discomfort and allow him to play, doing so would be unwise as it may lead to further damage to the ligaments. Any decision regarding his participation would be made jointly by Kounde, Flick and the club’s medical staff.

With the situation growing increasingly dire, Xavi Espart has emerged as a possible right-back option following his display against PSG. The young defender could be handed his first start against Real Madrid if Kounde is unable to play.

Flick may also turn to Frenkie de Jong in defence, but the Dutchman did not start against PSG and is unlikely to do so against his boyhood heroes. Barcelona must now carefully consider their options ahead of Sunday’s showdown.