In a brief statement on their website, the five-time Champions League winners indicated that there is no definitive timeline for the French international's return. "His evolution will determine when he returns to first team activities," the club stated, leaving fans in suspense regarding his recovery.
Typically, distal hamstring injuries can sideline players for approximately two weeks and are sometimes accompanied by discomfort behind the knee. This timeframe would almost certainly rule Koundé out of the return fixture against Inter Milan scheduled for Tuesday.
The injury also presents a headache for Barcelona in their pursuit of the La Liga title. The Catalan giants are currently locked in a tight battle and have a potentially decisive home El Clásico against defending champions Real Madrid looming on May 11th. Koundé's absence would be a significant loss for this crucial encounter.
The defender has been a stalwart in Hansi Flick's lineup this season, featuring in an impressive 53 matches, highlighting his importance to the team. The thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg against Inter Milan, which showcased some spectacular goals, marked his latest appearance before the unfortunate injury.
Koundé's importance to Barcelona has been further underscored by his contributions in front of goal. Just last Saturday, he netted a stunning extra-time winner against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, securing the trophy for his team. This was his fourth goal of a season where he has firmly established himself as a key player under Flick's guidance.
Interestingly, Koundé himself had recently voiced concerns about the demanding schedule in professional football, highlighting the detrimental impact on players' physical well-being and the increased risk of injuries. His own injury serves as an unfortunate example of the issues he had previously raised. Manchester City midfielder Rodri echoed similar sentiments earlier in the season before suffering an ACL injury that required surgery, further emphasizing the growing concerns among players regarding fixture congestion. Koundé's absence will undoubtedly be felt by Barcelona as they navigate crucial fixtures in both the Champions League and La Liga.