Barcelona Injury Crisis Deepens As Jules Kounde Is Ruled Out of El Clasico

• Barcelona are set to miss key players ahead of the first El Clasico of the season
• Jules Kounde is the latest Barcelona player to pick up a serious injury
• Barcelona will take on Real Madrid on October 28

Barcelona are having a serious injury crisis as the Catalan club could have up to six players unavailable for the first El Clasico of the 2023/24 season.

Jules Kounde and youngster Lamine Yamal are the latest duo set to face spells on the sidelines and could miss the crucial game against Real Madrid on October 28.

According to GOAL, Kounde sprained his MCL in Barcelona's 2-2 tie with Granada on Sunday evening, and the injury is anticipated to keep him out for at least a month.

Yamal's knock, on the other hand, isn't expected to be as serious, as the 16-year-old winger has a hip flexor strain and will remain in the Spain squad for the international break, though the national team's medical staff will check on him.

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Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha have all been ruled out of the match against Real Madrid, while Pedri is close to returning but will need time to regain match fitness.

Barcelona confirm Kounde's knee injury

Meanwhile, Barcelona released an official statement confirming that Kounde suffered a knee injury and will be ruled out for up to four weeks following the latest setback, SB Nation reports.

The Frenchman was forced out of Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Granada in La Liga when he had to be replaced in the first half by Xavi after sustaining a knee injury.

The news will come as a blow to Barcelona, as Kounde has had a fantastic start to the season and has become the Catalan giants' sixth crucial player to be sidelined.

Barca lose ground despite Granada comeback

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Barcelona came back from two goals down to record a thrilling 2-2 draw with Granada but lost ground in the La Liga title race on Sunday.

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Bryan Zaragoza sent the hosts two goals ahead but Lamine Yamal and Sergi Roberto's goals preserved the champions' record as the only unbeaten team in La Liga.

However, the Catalans are now third and sit three points behind leaders Real Madrid, and one behind neighbours Girona, who both won on Saturday.