Jules Koundé
FRA
Expected to start at right-back
Kounde (undisclosed) has been named in France's World Cup squad and is expected to be one of the first names on coach Didier Deschamps' teamsheet throughout the tournament if deemed fit.
Analysis: Kounde ended the campaign having been one of La Liga's most complete defenders, contributing three goals, four assists, 49 crosses, 67 tackles, 42 interceptions and 82 clearances across 40 appearances (34 starts) for Barcelona. The versatile right-back heads into the World Cup as one of the best defenders in the world, combining elite defensive solidity with the ability to drive forward and contribute in attack. His performances for club and country over the past two seasons have made him an indispensable figure in France's setup, and coach Deschamps will lean on him heavily throughout the competition, although he will likely face the competition of Malo Gusto and Warren Zaire-Emery for the spot.
Left out for season finale
Kounde (undisclosed) has been left out of Barcelona's squad for Saturday's season finale against Valencia.
Analysis: Kounde is being carefully managed due to some ongoing issues, with coach Hansi Flick cautious about risking him given his World Cup participation this summer. The Barcelona manager has made clear the club is taking good care of the defender, who is undergoing treatment and progressing well ahead of the tournament. While it is not clear who will replace him at right back given the low stakes of the fixture, Eric Garcia or Xavi Espart could be handed the opportunity. Kounde will now end the season having contributed three goals, four assists, 49 crosses, 67 tackles, 42 interceptions, 82 clearances and 10 clean sheets across 40 appearances (34 starts).
Doubt for season finale
Kounde (undisclosed) did not train Friday due to a small issue that the medical staff are managing, leaving his availability for Saturday's season finale against Valencia uncertain, according to coach Hansi Flick. "He'll be playing in the World Cup, and he's having some issues, so we're being careful with him. Playing in the World Cup is a huge goal for everyone, and that's why he hasn't been training. We're taking good care of him and managing his situation well; he's undergoing treatment and working on it. He's progressing well."
Analysis: Kounde's potential absence would be a concern for Barcelona heading into the final fixture of their historic La Liga campaign, with the French right-back having been one of their most important defensive contributors throughout the season. If he cannot make the squad, Kounde ends the campaign with three goals, four assists, 49 crosses, 67 tackles, 42 interceptions and 82 clearances across 40 appearances (34 starts) in all competitions, a standout individual season that underlines his importance to manager Flick's system. If Kounde is rested for the last game, he will put his focus on being fully fit when the World Cup starts in a few weeks.
No longer banned
Kounde has served his La Liga suspension and is available to play going forward.
Analysis: Kounde missed the league win over Osasuna after accumulating five yellow cards in the 2025/26 season, with Eric Garcia deployed at right-back to cover his absence. However, the Frenchman will likely bounce back to a starting role in future matchups, allowing Garcia to move back to midfield and pushing either Gavi or Dani Olmo to a bench spot. In any case, Kounde should be reliable for a varied output now that he's an option.
Suspended one game
Kounde will serve a one-match ban due to an accumulation of five yellow cards in La Liga.
Analysis: Kounde picked up his fifth yellow card in La Liga play and will serve a one-match suspension for Saturday's matchup against Osasuna. The right-back has been a locked-in starter for Barcelona, therefore his absence will force a change in the starting XI, with Eric Garcia expected to start in his spot for that clash.
Plays full game
Kounde recorded two crosses (zero accurate) and one tackle in Wednesday's 1-0 victory versus Celta Vigo.
Analysis: Kounde played the full game, completing 82 passes. He also made two clearances, one block, and one interception. This was his first full 90-minute appearance since February, having missed several weeks due to injury.
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