Jules Kounde faces unprecedented absence from Barcelona La Liga squad

French defender Jules Kounde is experiencing a new reality at Barcelona, having missed three consecutive La Liga matches for the first time since joining the Catalan club.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Kounde has never previously missed three straight league games, either during his time at Barcelona or earlier at Sevilla.

Kounde was absent for the matches against Levante, Racing, and Sevilla, despite being a key player in previous seasons. He began the current campaign with limited minutes against Elche and Athletic Bilbao, then started against Rayo Vallecano, and appeared as a substitute in one match due to an injury to Eric Garcia.

Intense competition for places

Kounde also started against Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League, but left the pitch about half an hour before the final whistle. Since that match, he has not featured in coach Hansi Flick’s La Liga plans, amid strong competition for the right-back position.

Flick has indicated the possibility of using Kounde as a central defender, but so far has preferred to deploy him at right-back. These developments highlight a new reality at Barcelona, where big names no longer guarantee a starting place, and selection is increasingly based on performance.

For Jules Kounde, the task ahead is clear: regain the coach’s trust and reclaim his spot in the starting lineup.