According to a report by Barca Universal on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Barcelona are working against the clock to make Jules Kounde available for Saturday’s La Liga fixture against Alaves, although Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia could recover ahead of schedule.

Kounde remains on an individual training programme while recovering from an ankle sprain, leaving Hansi Flick with significant concerns over his defensive options. Despite the growing injury problems, Barcelona are unwilling to take unnecessary risks by bringing players back before they have fully recovered.

The Catalan club currently have four defenders out injured, with teenage prospect Xavi Espart becoming the latest player to join the treatment room. Espart is expected to spend approximately seven weeks recovering from an injury suffered during El Clasico, when he sustained damage following a strong challenge from Aurelien Tchouameni.

Kounde is considered the most likely of the three experienced defenders to return for the meeting with Alaves. However, he had not yet rejoined first-team training by Wednesday, raising doubts about his availability. Barcelona remain hopeful that the additional recovery period after El Clasico will help the French international secure medical clearance. If everything goes according to plan, he would still have only two opportunities to train with his teammates before Saturday’s game.

Christensen, meanwhile, has been absent for nearly five weeks after tearing the rectus femoris muscle in his left quadriceps. Barcelona are targeting their Champions League encounter with Aston Villa on November 3 as a possible return date for the Danish centre-back. Even if he is cleared to play, the club could ease him back into action by starting him on the bench.

Garcia is also making progress in his recovery from a quadriceps injury picked up against Real Betis on October 17. His initial recovery period was estimated at three to four weeks, suggesting that the November 8 fixture against Atletico Madrid would be a more realistic target. Nevertheless, Barcelona are still considering whether the Spanish defender could return in time for the Aston Villa match.

These injuries have significantly reduced Flick’s defensive options as Barcelona prepare for a challenging series of fixtures. The club recognises the importance of restoring its defensive depth but does not want to jeopardise the long-term fitness of any player by accelerating their recovery.

For that reason, Barcelona’s medical department continues to adopt a careful approach. Each defender’s return will ultimately depend on their recovery progress, physical condition and ability to handle the demands of competitive football.