Barça Faces Defensive Dilemma as Koundé Withdraws from Training Ahead of Vigo Clash
8 November 2025
Injury update ahead of Vigo clash
Barcelona faced a fresh defensive setback when Jules Koundé left Saturday morning training with discomfort, casting a shadow over the upcoming La Liga meeting with Celta Vigo at Balaídos.
According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, Koundé had to leave the final training session before travelling to Vigo after feeling some physical discomfort that prevented him from finishing the session.
The report noted that the player did not feel fully comfortable during drills, leading the coaching and medical staff to pull him out as a precaution while his condition is assessed in the coming hours.
Koundé's participation against Vigo at Balaídos is now in serious doubt, placing coach Hans Flick in a new defensive dilemma, with the team already missing several players due to injuries.
If the French defender misses the match, Eric Garcia is expected to slot into the starting lineup. Garcia had previously suffered a nasal fracture in the prior game and will play with a protective mask designed to shield him from further risks.
Meanwhile the rest of the session was relatively positive, with rising keeper Juan Garcia integrating with the group; coach De La Fuente used four goalkeepers, suggesting Garcia's spot in the match squad remains undecided.
Andreas Christensen returned to full training after his injury, and is expected to be cleared to face Celta Vigo, a boost for Flick amid Kondé’s uncertainty.
Deterring pressure in the Vigo trip
Barça resumed training at the Joan Gamper sports complex after Friday’s session at Spotify Camp Nou, in preparation for the Vigo clash.
The Catalan side, still seeking consistency under Flick, aims for a vital win at Balaídos to ease pressure on their La Liga title ambitions.
Raphinha missed training but is expected to be ready for the November 22 match against Athletic Bilbao; Pedri needs more time to regain full fitness. Ter Stegen and Gavi’s return dates remain unclear.
Additionally, several players from the reserve squad joined the session alongside the goalkeepers.
Camp Nou return on the horizon
Barça is closing in on welcoming back its fans for the first time at the renovated home, Spotify Camp Nou, after ongoing works.
The last match at the old Camp Nou was May 28, 2023 against Mallorca (3-0), before renovations began. Club officials confirmed a target date of November 22 for Barça to host Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, signaling a staged return to full capacity as licensing steps progress (1A, 1B, then 1C).
The moment will be especially meaningful for players and staff, many of whom have not played at Camp Nou, including coach Hans Flick. Some players, such as Szczęsny and Marcus Rashford, have visited there as opponents, while several youngsters will finally experience playing at the iconic venue for the first time.
Punchline time: If Barca’s defense keeps shrinking, the ball might start filing a complaint with the referee for going through the net on a diet. Punchline 2: They say football is a game of two halves; right now, Barca’s defense looks like two pages of a book that forgot to be bound."
