FC Barcelona will be without defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde for their Champions League last-16 encounter against Newcastle United after both were diagnosed with hamstring injuries on Wednesday.
The pair were forced off during Barcelona’s 3-0 Copa del Rey semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, although the Catalan side were eliminated 4-3 on aggregate.
“The time of the recovery process (for Balde) will be four weeks,” the club said in a statement, without clarifying how long Kounde is expected to be sidelined.
Spanish media reports suggest the 27-year-old France international could be out for a similar period.
In addition to the Champions League fixtures, both defenders are set to miss La Liga matches against Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla FC, and Rayo Vallecano.
Barcelona are also currently without midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is recovering from a hamstring problem.
Kounde’s injury also casts doubt over his availability for France’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil national football team and Colombia national football team in the United States later this month, as preparations continue for this summer’s World Cup.
Balde, a Spain international, currently trails Marc Cucurella and Alex Grimaldo in coach Luis de la Fuente’s selection hierarchy.