France Star To Miss Inter Milan Vs Barcelona Champions League Second Leg – Slight Hope For Ex Bayern Munich Striker | OneFootball

Jules Kounde will miss the second leg of Inter Milan’s Champions League tie against Barcelona.

This according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, via TuttoMercatoWeb. They also report that there is a slight hope of striker Robert Lewandowski being back for Barcelona.

Right-back Jules Kounde started for Barcelona in yesterday’s Champions League semifinal first leg against Inter Milan.

The Frenchman has been a key player on the right side of the Blaugranas’ defense this season.

Kounde’s defensive acumen has been important in Hansi Flick’s system. He has also, however, been a regular contributor going forward – including scoring the dramatic late winner against Real Madrid last weekend.

Jules Kounde Out For Inter Vs Barcelona Second Leg

SEVILLE, SPAIN – APRIL 26: Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona in action during the Copa del Rey Final match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 26, 2025 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

However, Jules Kounde had to come off the pitch towards the end of the first half.

The former Sevilla and Bordeaux defender pulled up with a muscle injury.

And it immediately became apparent that Kounde would not be able to continue.

Therefore, Eric Garcia replaced the 26-year-old on the right of the Barcelona back four.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Kounde will undergo medical tests today in order to determine the nature of the injury he’s suffered.

However, the Spanish newspaper reports, what’s immediately clear is that Kounde will miss Inter’s next few matches against Real Valladolid, Inter, and Real Madrid.

“Slight Hope” For Lewanodwski To Be Fit For Second Leg

DORTMUND, GERMANY – APRIL 15: Robert Lewandowski of. FC. Barcelona looks on during the warm up prior to the. UEFA. Champion.s League 2024/25. Quarter Final Second Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona at BVB Stadion Dortmund on April 15, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski missed yesterday’s semifinal first leg.

The Polish international and former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich striker suffered an injury during Barcelona’s clash with Celta Vigo last month.

Lewandowski will still have a few days out. He will certainly miss this weekend’s La Liga match against Real Valladolid.

However, Mundo Deportivo report, there is a slight hope of the 36-year-old coming back for next Tuesday’s semifinal second leg against Inter.

It is certainly not a given, however, that Lewandowski can recover in time.