Barcelona have been hit with injury concerns just two days before their crucial clash with Real Madrid as Jules Kounde and Raphinha both missed key training sessions.
Jules Kounde trained in the gym on Friday, missing a second consecutive session with Barcelona just days before the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu. His teammate Raphinha left the training ground before the session began, raising concerns over his fitness.
Kounde had sat out Thursday’s session due to a knock, and while he returned to the gym on Friday, he did not join the full squad.
His participation in El Clasico remains uncertain as he continues his recovery. The full-back’s late arrival—over an hour after the usual 09.30 CET call time—hinted that he would train separately, a common practice for players working on individual rehabilitation.
Raphinha’s absence is more worrying. The Brazilian winger, who had only recently returned from a right hamstring injury, left the training ground before the group session began, suggesting a possible relapse that could rule him out of the clash with Real Madrid.
Frenkie de Jong, who missed Thursday’s session due to gastroenteritis, has fully recovered and joined the squad on time for Friday’s training, so he is expected to participate without issue.
Hansi Flick may not attend the pre-match press conference ahead of the Bernabeu clash if the TAD rejects Barcelona’s appeal against his suspension. In that case, assistant coach Marcus Sorg would speak to the media in his place.
