Bad news: Koundé is expected to miss Barcelona's return leg

Missing from the Blaugrana until further notice: Jules Koundé. picture alliance / NurPhoto

After just under 42 minutes, Koundé 's game was over in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan ( 3:3 ). The Frenchman collapsed to the ground, and it quickly became clear that he would not be able to continue.

As FC Barcelona announced on Thursday afternoon, the 26-year-old suffered a muscle injury in his left thigh. The club did not provide any details about the length of his absence, but stated only that his return depends on the healing process. According to Spanish media reports, Koundé will be out for around two weeks.

This would also mean he would miss the return leg against Inter on Tuesday (9 p.m., LIVE! on kicker). His participation in the Clasico five days later, in which the Blaugrana can take a major step toward the title with a win, is also doubtful. Koundé recently broke the mark of 100 consecutive appearances for club and country against Real Betis (1-1) and was the match-winner in the Copa del Rey final against Real ( 3-2 after extra time ).