Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
After it was confirmed that FC Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo would miss Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid, another player from Hansi Flick’s side is now considered a major doubt for the game.
Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barça defender Jules Kounde is facing a race against time to be fit for the first Clasico of the 2026/27 season.
Kounde recovering from an ankle injury
Kounde suffered an ankle injury during Barcelona’s previous La Liga game against Real Betis last Saturday away at Estadio de La Cartuja.
The 27-year-old versatile defender was able to complete the match but was seen limping after it was over, and tests on Sunday confirmed a ligament sprain in his ankle.
Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona
Kounde could miss El Clasico. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
As a result, the French international was ruled out of Barça’s UEFA Champions League clash against PSG, which they lost 4-2 on Tuesday night.
But, there had been hope that the defender could recover in time for Real Madrid’s visit to the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday night.
However, now, as per the report, there is great pessimism within the Barcelona coaching and medical staff that Kounde will be able to return in time to face Jose Mourinho’s side.
Mounting problems for Barcelona open door for Real Madrid
As mentioned earlier, Dani Olmo has already been ruled out of Sunday’s game as he suffered an adductor tear during Barcelona’s game against PSG yesterday.
Hansi Flick, Manager of FC Barcelona
Mounting problems for Flick and Barcelona (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Eric Garcia is also unavailable due to an injury he sustained against Real Betis over the weekend, while Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji will also miss the game.
Now, Kounde, too, appears to be a major doubt for the first Clasico of the season, adding to the problems for Hansi Flick & co.
It is now up to Real Madrid to capitalise on their opponents’ problems and collect all three points at Camp Nou, in a bid to close down the gap at the top of the table to only three points.
Before that though, the focus will be on tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash against RB Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Bacary Sagna reveals emotional Real Madrid letter after Arsenal injury in 2011: ‘It made me want to come back on the pitch’
Bacary Sagna, former Arsenal player
Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images
Bacary Sagna has revealed how a personal letter from Real Madrid helped him through one of the most difficult periods of his Arsenal career, with the former France international still treasuring the message more than a decade later.
The Spanish giants contacted the defender in 2011 after he fractured his fibula against Tottenham, delivering a gesture that left a lasting impression on the Arsenal star.
Sagna, who joined Arsenal under Arsene Wenger in 2007, had established himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent right-backs before the injury interrupted his progress.
The unexpected correspondence, signed by Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueño, gave him a reminder that his performances had attracted attention beyond English football.
How Real Madrid surprised Sagna after his injury
Sagna was enjoying the best football of his career when the injury struck.
Having made more than 150 appearances for Arsenal by the end of the 2010/11 season, he suddenly faced an extended period away from the pitch.
Recalling the circumstances surrounding the letter, Sagna explained how an unusual encounter at Arsenal’s training ground led to an unexpected moment of encouragement.
“I broke my fibula against Tottenham in 2011. I was playing my best football, but unfortunately, I suffered that bad injury.
“One day, right after that happened, I arrived at the training ground, and the receptionist was all flustered. She was looking left and right, all agitated, and whispering to me, “Come here, come with me, please.”
Bacary Sagna, former Arsenal player
Bacary Sagna recalls how a letter from Real Madrid helped him in his recovery. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
“I was on crutches and everything. I had just arrived, so I was confused. What did she want?
“She closed the door, and she handed me a letter. I opened it, and the letter was from REAL MADRID.
“I looked at it. It said something like, “Dear Bacary, we are saddened to hear about your injury, and we wish you a speedy recovery,” and all that, signed by Emilio Butragueño.”
Why Real Madrid’s letter meant so much to Sagna
The significance of the message was not just an expression of sympathy.
For Sagna, hearing from one of football’s biggest clubs while he was struggling with an injury offered reassurance that his performances were being recognised at the highest level.
The former Arsenal defender described the emotional impact of receiving the letter and how it helped restore his motivation during rehabilitation.
“You have no idea how much that letter meant to me, and how it really moved me. It made me so happy. It gave me a massive boost when I was feeling down because of the injury.
“It motivated me so much. I told myself: “Oh my God, that’s Real Madrid.”
“I still have that letter to this day. It’s not going anywhere. That’s how special that letter is to me.
Bacary Sagna, former Arsenal player
Bacary Sagna still has that letter. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
“I told myself: “Wow, this means Real Madrid know me. They’ve been monitoring me.
“And I have no regrets in my career. I played for Arsenal, and I love Arsenal, but that’s Real Madrid.
“For them, it’s just a small gesture. But the impact it has on you, and the respect you feel towards them after that, is multiplied by 10 because of it.”
The lasting impact of a gesture from Real Madrid
Sagna’s account offers a glimpse into how recognition from a club like Real Madrid can affect a player at a vulnerable point in his career.
The letter did not change the circumstances, but it gave him an additional reason to fight his way back to fitness.
The defender also recalled how his recovery involved another setback before he returned to action, explaining how the message continued to influence his outlook.
“It really made me want to come back on the pitch, and I did come back, actually. Then I broke my fibula again, and I came back once more.
“It’s a small gesture that perhaps changed my outlook on things and gave me much more confidence,” he concluded.