Barcelona star could be used in his old position against Real Sociedad due to injury issues in the squad - Reports
Barcelona superstar Jules Kounde will reportedly start in the centre-back position against Real Sociedad on November 10 at the Anoeta Stadium. The Catalan giants sit atop the LaLiga table with 33 points and would want to enter the month's international break with another win in their pocket.
For La Blaugrana, Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi have been regular starters in the centre-back this season with Jules Kounde at the right-back position. However, Cubarsi took a nasty hit on his face in the last UEFA Champions League game against Crvena Zvezda on November 6. Although Barcelona thrashed them 5-2, reports after the game said that the La Masia graduate had to undergo 10 stitches on his face.
According to a report by SPORT (via Barca Universal), Hansi Flick could consider the possibility of playing Jules Kounde in his preferred centre-back position. Barcelona, at present, face a dearth of central defenders because of injuries to Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia.
Kounde has historically preferred playing as a centre-back for Barcelona and his previous sides. However, the Frenchman hasn't featured in that position since January 2024 and the game against Real Sociedad can be a homecoming for Kounde in his favored position.
Hansi Flick might also deploy the services of La Masia prodigy Sergi Dominguez alongside Inigo Martinez. The inclusion of Dominguez could result in Kounde starting in the familiar right-back position. However, the 19-year-old has played just five games (206 minutes) for the senior side so far and might not be considered because of his lack of experience.
If Jules Kounde starts starts in the centre-back position, Hansi Flick would likely go with Hector Fort in the right-back position. Fort was impressive in the side's 3-1 win over Espanyol on November 11. He played 78 minutes in the game and had a passing accuracy of 90% (47/52).
(The abovementioned data is taken from Sofascore. The website is privately owned and may change the statistics as per its prerogative.)
Coach Luis de la Fuente explains the snubbing of Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi for Spain's UEFA Nations League games
Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente explained the decision to exclude Barcelona prodigy Pau Cubarsi from the Spanish squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League clashes. La Roja will face Denmark (November 15) and Switzerland (November 18).
In a press conference on November 8, De la Fuente explained why he didn't include Pau Cubarsi, saying (via Barca Universal):
"He has a very big and deep wound with 9 stitches and we always take care of the players, Pau will have a few days for the wound to heal and we should not take risks."
Apart from Cubarsi, the Spanish squad also didn't feature La Blaugrana stars like Inigo Martinez, Alejandro Balde, Fermin Lopez, Gavi and Eric Garcia. However. Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Dani Olmo were included in the side. Marc Casado, 21, received his first call up from the national side.
At present, La Roja lead League A Group 4 table with 10 points in four games.