Barcelona's Kounde and Balde Out for Newcastle Clash

FC Barcelona faces a setback ahead of their Champions League last 16 tie against Newcastle, as defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde have been ruled out due to hamstring injuries. Kounde sustained his injury during Barcelona's 3-0 Copa del Rey semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

While the exact duration of Kounde's absence is not specified, Spanish media reports suggest he may be sidelined for a similar length of time as Balde, who is expected to miss four weeks. In addition to Kounde and Balde, Barcelona is also without midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is dealing with a hamstring injury.

Both players will miss upcoming La Liga matches against Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla, and Rayo Vallecano. Kounde, 27, is also a doubt for France's friendlies against Brazil, Colombia, and the United States at the end of March, as they prepare for the summer's World Cup.