Barcelona defender to undergo tests today to determine availability for Osasuna clash

Barcelona will play their final game before the World Cup on Tuesday night when they take on CA Osasuna away from home in Pamplona.

Having beaten UD Almeria in their last game and taken a lead in the La Liga title race, albeit temporarily, the Catalans will be hoping to register another victory and go into the break on a strong note.

But, heading into the game, manager Xavi Hernandez is sweating over the fitness of defender Jules Kounde. The 23-year-old picked up a thigh injury during the last away league match against Valencia and has since missed the subsequent two matches.

Indeed, Kounde was not involved in the UEFA Champions League encounter against Viktoria Plzen, following which he was out for the La Liga encounter versus Almeria as well.

And, Javi Miguel of AS is now reporting that the French international will undergo tests today to determine whether he can return to action against Osasuna.

Barcelona are closely following his evolution as it is the same area which had been injured during international duty earlier this season.

So, Kounde’s inclusion for Tuesday’s encounter will be approached with a degree of caution and the decision will be made based on the defender’s sensations.

The Blaugrana also have Ronald Araujo out injured, but have three fit centre-backs for the game in the form of Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen and Gerard Pique, although whether Xavi decides to use the latter after his farewell at Camp Nou remains to be seen.

Marcos Alonso is also an option, having played regularly at centre-back this season.

For now, an update on Kounde’s availability is awaited and it remains to be seen if he is rushed back just a week before the World Cup.

The post Barcelona defender to undergo tests today to determine availability for Osasuna clash appeared first on Barca Universal.

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