The news from the Camp Nou medical room couldn't be worse for Hansi Flick. On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, FC Barcelona officially confirmed that Jules Koundé has suffered an injury to the middle third of the biceps femoris in his left thigh.
The injury occurred during the opening minutes of Tuesday's Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético Madrid. In a cruel twist of irony, Alejandro Balde, who came on to replace Koundé in the 13th minute, also left the pitch with a similar hamstring injury later in the match.
The Medical Report: A Month of Absence?
While the club's official statement says Koundé's "availability will be determined by his recovery," top medical sources in Spain are painting a more definitive picture.
Champions League Crisis: This timeline effectively rules Koundé out of both legs of the Champions League Round of 16 tie against Newcastle United.
International Break: The Frenchman will also miss France's high-profile friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the United States later this month.
La Liga Impact: He is expected to miss crucial fixtures against Athletic Club, Sevilla, and Rayo Vallecano.
Flick’s Full-Back Problem
With both first-choice full-backs out, Hansi Flick is facing a tactical nightmare at the most critical juncture of the season.
The "Makeshift" Solution: Hector Fort and Gerard Martín are likely to be called upon to start, though Flick may consider moving Ronald Araújo to right-back—a role he has played in the past but one that leaves a void in the center of defense.
The Copa Del Rey Fallout: Despite winning the second leg 3–0, Barça were eliminated 4–3 on aggregate. Losing two "pillars" of the defense while also crashing out of a tournament is being described by local media as a "Black Tuesday" for the club.
The Verdict: Barcelona’s depth is being tested like never before. Losing Koundé—the second most-used player in the squad—is a massive blow to their defensive stability. Flick must now rely on his academy products to maintain their 4-point lead in La Liga.