Barcelona boss Hansi Flick decides who will replace injured Jules Kounde at right-back in Champions League semi-final second leg vs Inter: Reports

According to Barca Universal, Barcelona's Ronald Araujo is set to replace the injured Jules Kounde in the return UCL fixture against Inter Milan. During the first leg of the semis, which ended in a draw (3-3), Kounde had to be replaced by Eric Garcia in the 42nd minute.

After the game, a medical examination was carried out, and the result showed that the Frenchman sustained a thigh injury. He's also expected to be on the sidelines for three weeks and would miss the reverse fixture in Milan.

In his absence, Garcia was rumored to be Kounde's replacement at right-back. However, Araujo is said to have a higher probability of replacing the Frenchman in his position.

The aforementioned report also suggests that Hansi Flick might prefer the Uruguayan due to his physicality and energy in defense. In the first leg, Barcelona struggled to deal with set pieces and Inter's aerial threat.

To remedy the defensive situation, Flick is looking to bring Araujo, who is 191cm tall, into the backline to help clear aerial threats. While Araujo and Garcia are centre-backs, they could both feature as right-backs when called upon.

Amid the talks, Kounde has been excellent at right-back for La Blaugrana, recording 12 goal contributions in 53 games. While his absence might be felt, Garcia or Araujo could fill the void at right-back.

"I believe in my team" - Lamine Yamal on Barcelona's draw versus Inter Milan

FC Barcelona v FC Internazionale Milano - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg - Source: Getty

Following their fierce draw in the semifinal against the Nerazzurri, Lamine Yamal has expressed conviction that Barcelona would triumph over Inter. He, however, emphasized that Barca need to correct their errors.

After the draw in the first leg, Yamal spoke to the press and said (via Barca Universal on X):

"I believe in my team. I've believed in us since the beginning of the season. I think we're capable. We're much better. We just have to correct the mistakes and give everything for the fans and for the shirt, and you'll see how we'll win."

Yamal has been one of the drivers behind Blaugrana's progress, scoring five and recording three assists in 12 UCL games this season.

About the author

Abel is an European football journalist who focuses primarily on analysis pieces and preview copies at Sportskeeda. A B.Sc degree holder in Economics, he has a previous work experience of 3 years – a year at Opera News Hub where he was promoted as a 'Verified Sports Writer,’ and over two years at Sportskeeda as a revenue-share writer, where his writing skills have ultimately led him to be integrated into the in-house team.

A Manchester United fan who grew up in a family of Red Devils supporters, he started his journey as an ardent football fan in his childhood. He used to spend hours watching the sport with his family and developed a knack for writing about the beautiful game over the years.

He is a huge admirer of Paul Pogba owing to the midfielder's ability to thread passes from anywhere on the pitch and his favorite manager is Jose Mourinho due to the Portuguese's tactical mind. He feels France's triumph in 2018 is his all-time favorite World Cup moment, and reckons Lamine Yamal and Endrick could replicate the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Abel always strives to verify information, especially statistics, before penning a word and offers constructive but not defamatory criticisms. Apart from Europe's top five leagues, he follows the Eredivisie and the Primeira Liga. He loves to spend his free time playing video games like EA FC and watching movies.

Know More

Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee