Why Barcelona defender Jules Kounde was ruled out of UEFA Nations League semi-final between Spain vs. France

After failing to recuperate from a hamstring injury, Jules Kounde, a Barcelona defender, will be unable to participate in the forthcoming UEFA Nations League semi-final.

The 25-man France squad, which was announced by Didier Deschamps, has excluded the Frenchman who sustained a distal injury to the hamstring of his left thigh during the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan.

Kounde will be unavailable for the semi-final match against Spain on June 5, as a result of this decision.

The French national team is devastated by the news, as Kounde has been a consistent member of recent rosters, providing defensive stability and adaptability regardless of whether he is deployed as a right-back or centre-back.

Barcelona has a silver lining.

Nevertheless, this development has a positive outcome for Barcelona. Kounde will now receive an extended period of rest that is greatly needed, enabling him to completely recover from his muscle injury prior to the commencement of the 2025/26 season.

After failing to recuperate from a hamstring injury, Jules Kounde, a Barcelona defender, will be unable to participate in the forthcoming UEFA Nations League semi-final.

The 25-man France squad, which was announced by Didier Deschamps, has excluded the Frenchman who sustained a distal injury to the hamstring of his left thigh during the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan.

Kounde will be unavailable for the semi-final match against Spain on June 5, as a result of this decision.

The French national team is devastated by the news, as Kounde has been a consistent member of recent rosters, providing defensive stability and adaptability regardless of whether he is deployed as a right-back or centre-back.

Barcelona has a silver lining.
Nevertheless, this development has a positive outcome for Barcelona. Kounde will now receive an extended period of rest that is greatly needed, enabling him to completely recover from his muscle injury prior to the commencement of the 2025/26 season.

Jules Kounde will require additional time to recuperate. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) )
A fully fit Kounde will be essential for Barça’s aspirations in La Liga and Europe, as the new Spotify Camp Nou is set to open shortly and Hansi Flick is preparing for his first full season.

It is intriguing that the France squad continues to include Clement Lenglet, a Barça player who spent the season on loan at Atletico Madrid.

Although Lenglet’s long-term future remains uncertain, there is increasing conjecture that Atlético is interested in retaining him permanently, provided that an agreement can be reached with Barcelona to do so.

Deschamps has taken note of his return to form during his loan term, and his inclusion could provide him with an opportunity to re-establish himself at the international level.

In the interim, the French team will significantly depend on Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele to spearhead the attack.