According to a report by Barca Universal on Thursday October 22, 2026, Barcelona are working towards having Jules Kounde available for Sunday's El Clasico against Real Madrid as Hansi Flick continues to assess his defensive options ahead of the crucial La Liga encounter.

According to Ramon Salmurri on Catalunya Radio, the Catalan club are hopeful that the French defender will recover sufficiently to be included in the squad for the meeting with their biggest rivals.

Kounde has been recovering from a left ankle sprain sustained during Barcelona's 5-2 victory over Real Betis. The injury forced him to miss the club's Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

His availability for Sunday's fixture will depend on how he progresses during the final stages of his recovery.

Barcelona are keen to have the versatile defender available as they prepare for a match that could prove significant in their domestic campaign.

The 27-year-old's ability to play both centre-back and right-back makes him an important option for Flick, particularly with the club dealing with several defensive concerns.

Barcelona have already been hit by the absence of Eric Garcia, who is expected to miss several weeks because of a thigh problem, according to the report.

Kounde's potential return would therefore provide Flick with greater flexibility when deciding how to organise his defence against Real Madrid.

However, being included in the matchday squad would not automatically mean the French international is ready to start.

Barcelona's medical staff will need to assess his condition before the coaching team makes a final decision on his involvement.

Flick must balance the importance of having an experienced defender available for El Clasico against the risk of rushing him back before he has fully recovered.

Even if Kounde is fit enough only for a place on the bench, his presence could give Barcelona another option during the game.

The defender's experience and versatility could prove valuable against a Real Madrid side capable of posing significant attacking threats.

Nevertheless, Barcelona may have to rely on their alternative defensive options if Kounde fails to make sufficient progress before kick-off.

For now, the Catalan club remain hopeful that the Frenchman can return in time, although his participation has not been confirmed.