Spanish giants Barcelona will be without key defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde for their upcoming UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg against Newcastle United, following injuries sustained in a domestic cup match.
The clash is slated for March 10 at St James’ Park in England, with the second leg to follow on March 18 at the Camp Nou.
Both players were forced off during Barcelona’s 4-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals on Tuesday. Kounde exited after just 10 minutes with a hamstring issue, projected to keep him sidelined until late March.
Balde, who came on as a substitute, suffered a more severe hamstring strain in the second half, facing a recovery period of five to six weeks.
The setbacks pose significant challenges for coach Hansi Flick as the team prepares for the
