When will Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde and Frenkie de Jong return for Barcelona?
The team’s injury problems are clearing.
Jules Kounde centre-back of Barcelona and France celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt at Spotify Camp Nou on December 9, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Barcelona are set to have some reinforcements after the international break as Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde and Frenkie de Jong are all set to return from injury lay-offs. Kounde and Balde are already back in training with Hansi Flick’s side and are expected to be available for Barcelona’s next match against Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Saturday night.
Kounde and Balde are back to training 😄 pic. twitter. com/3bji6hTHFr — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 30, 2026 The news is a boost to Flick and gives the Barcelona coach more options in defence ahead of a busy run of fixtures.
Frenkie de Jong is a little further behind but should be available shortly. He is not expected to be ready for the weekend but is hoping to be passed fit in time for the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico, according to AS. Marc Bernal has been doing a fine job in De Jong’s absence but may have to make way when the Netherlands international is fit again.
Eric Garcia is also expected to be fully fit when domestic action resumes, leaving only Raphinha and Andreas Christensen still on the sidelines.