Jules Kounde’s position as a regular starter for Barcelona and France is under increasing pressure after he played just 90 minutes across his last six matches for club and country.
According to Sport, the defender has found himself in an unfamiliar situation after several seasons as an important player for both teams. His reduced involvement continued during the current international break.
Kounde remained an unused substitute as France drew with Italy at the Stade de France. Zidane retained Kalulu at right-back, as he had done against Belgium, and did not turn to Kounde even after Upamecano was sent off late in the match, leaving France with 10 players.
The 90 minutes Kounde played came in France’s match against Turkey, which he started and completed. He then did not feature against Belgium or Italy.
His recent club record is similarly limited. Kounde missed Barcelona’s matches against Levante, Racing Santander and Sevilla. Across the six games for Barcelona and France, he has therefore played 90 minutes from a possible 540.
Competition for the right-back position at Barcelona has become stronger since last season. Eric Garcia started there against Levante and Sevilla, while Cancelo was used in the role against Racing Santander.
Cancelo’s arrival and Garcia’s ability to operate in different positions have changed Kounde’s standing. Only a few months ago, his place in the starting line-up appeared almost certain, but he now faces a much more contested route to the team.
His lack of recent football could nevertheless benefit Barcelona from a physical perspective. Kounde has played only 90 minutes during this international break and may return to his club with less exertion than several of his rivals.
France have another match against Belgium at the Stade de France on October 5, when Kounde could have another chance to feature.
Garcia, one of his main competitors at Barcelona, has also had limited demands placed on him during the international break. He left the Spain squad early after experiencing discomfort in his left knee and did not play. Since then, he has completed targeted recovery training.
Garcia has now fully recovered and is available, although Flick may still decide to reintroduce him carefully.
Cancelo, by contrast, has played more for Portugal during the break and has taken on a considerably heavier physical workload than Kounde and Garcia. That difference in fitness could influence Flick’s decision when Barcelona select their next side.
Barcelona’s next match after the international break is against Getafe in La Liga. Sport’s analysis suggests Cancelo’s workload with Portugal could leave Kounde and Garcia as the leading contenders to start at right-back.
