Jules Kounde will reportedly make his Barcelona return in Sunday's El Clasico with Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old has missed his side's last four matches with the hamstring problem that he suffered while representing France during the September international break.
Kounde has been absent for the league victories over Mallorca and Celta Vigo, in addition to the two Champions League matches against Inter Milan.
The Frenchman is believed to have made strides forward in recent days, though, and according to AS, he is expected to be in the starting XI against Real Madrid at Bernabeu.
The report claims that unless there are any late setbacks in training, the summer arrival from Sevilla will be declared fit for the key La Liga contest.
Kounde joined his teammates in today's training session at Ciutat Esportiva pic.twitter.com/LWX4rVhmEH
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 13, 2022
Kounde trained alongside his teammates on Thursday, with the defender now in line to make a timely return for Barcelona, who have a number of injury issues at a key stage of the season.
Andreas Christensen, Hector Bellerin, Ronald Araujo and Memphis Depay remain on the sidelines for the Catalan outfit, with all four set to again miss out against Real Madrid.
Franck Kessie made his return from a thigh problem against Inter, though, and he is also expected to be declared fit for the clash with Carlo Ancelotti's side.
According to AS, Barcelona boss Xavi decided in the aftermath of Wednesday's 3-3 draw with Inter that Gerard Pique is no longer in a position to start big matches.
© Reuters
Kounde could replace Pique at the back for this weekend's clash, while Jordi Alba and Alejandro Balde are pushing to start over Marcos Alonso at left-back.
Xavi has options for change in midfield, with fit-again Frenkie de Jong pushing to be named in the side, while Kessie, as mentioned, is also now available after less than a week on the sidelines.
Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele started alongside Robert Lewandowski in attack against Inter, but Ansu Fati could now come into the XI after impressing off the bench on Wednesday.
Barcelona have won each of their last seven matches in La Liga, including a 1-0 success over Celta Vigo last weekend, which has left them top of the table, level on points (22) with second-placed Real Madrid.
Matt Law
