Just after beating Villarreal, Barca receives bad news in Spain

Barcelona won against Villarreal to keep their top spot in La Liga, but the happiness was soon clouded by Jules Kounde's injury, which threatens a lengthy recovery and absence from the Spanish Super Cup.

The 2-0 victory at Villarreal’s home ground allowed Barcelona to end the calendar year firmly at the top of La Liga, yet this match raised serious concerns in defense. Jules Kounde had to leave the field in the final minutes with a painful expression, forcing the coaching staff and fans to immediately fear the worst. According to sources in Spain, the French defender suffered a right thigh muscle strain and will require further tests to determine the severity.

After the match, coach Hansi Flick tried to reassure by explaining that Kounde had been ill for a few days prior and was not in his best physical condition, while hoping the injury was not too serious.

However, early information from the Barcelona dressing room shows a high level of caution. If diagnostics confirm that Kounde needs to rest for three to four weeks, he will almost certainly miss the early matches of the new year, including the Catalonia derby against Espanyol and especially the Spanish Super Cup.

The Super Cup tournament, where Barcelona will face Athletic Bilbao in the semifinals, holds great significance both for titles and morale under Flick’s leadership. Kounde’s absence would make the defensive personnel puzzle even more challenging, especially since the team has already lost Andreas Christensen long-term due to a knee injury, and Ronald Araujo’s return date remains unknown. Currently, Kounde is seen as the most stable link in defense, effectively fulfilling the central defender role while also being a reliable option on the right flank.

If Kounde cannot return in time, coach Flick will have to rotate and find temporary solutions. Eric Garcia and Marc Casado are two players who have been tested at right-back. Garcia has shown versatility and good game reading, while Casado brings energy and mobility. Nonetheless, neither can provide the same level of defensive solidity as Kounde in high-stakes matches.

The only positive for Barcelona is that the winter break might give Kounde extra recovery time and reduce the risk of recurrence if the injury is not severe. The French defender himself quickly addressed social media with humor to dismiss pessimistic rumors, somewhat easing fans’ worries.

Still, until official medical results are released, Kounde’s short-term future remains uncertain. With a packed schedule and important goals ahead, Barcelona anxiously awaits updates, as even one injury could directly impact their title ambitions in the early part of the new year.