Barcelona want key defender to play ‘every possible minute’ despite injury risk – report

FC Barcelona have endured a difficult period since the start of the international break. The club have lost quite a few players due to injury, including the likes of Jules Kounde, Hector Bellerin, Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo.

However, the club have been recently boosted by the return of Kounde. The Frenchman appeared to have made a quick recovery and is poised to make his return in the upcoming contest against Real Madrid.

Kounde, who was suffering from a thigh problem, has missed the last two league matches, along with both legs against Inter Milan, which turned out to be costly for Barça.

But with the Frenchman nearing full fitness, Barcelona intend to use him to his maximum potential.

This has been reported by Achraf Ben Ayad, who suggests that the club are expected to take a more aggressive approach when it comes to the Frenchman. They want the 23-year-old to play ‘every possible minute’ as it is time for them to take risks.

Earlier in the campaign, the Catalans, under Xavi Hernandez, had adopted a plan to provide routine rests to some of the key players in the team. This was designed especially to provide breathers to ageing players such as Sergio Busquets.

However, with all the veterans underperforming, and results not going in their favour, especially in Europe, Barcelona are expected to use youngsters such as Kounde more frequently, without offering any real breathers.

This should start on Sunday when the Blaugrana travel to Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid.

Even though there is still a long time left in the season, it is a must-win contest for the club, who must make an impression in La Liga and reclaim the league title as their Champions League campaign looks set to end in disappointment.

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