Versatile Barcelona defender ‘practically ruled out’ of Aston Villa Champions League clash

Versatile Barcelona defender ‘practically ruled out’ of Aston Villa Champions League clashBarcelona are unlikely to have Jules Kounde available for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Aston Villa, leaving Hansi Flick with another defensive selection problem. According to AS, the French international has not recovered sufficiently from his ankle injury and is expected to miss another match as Barcelona continue to deal with several defensive absences.Kounde was initially considered the defender most likely to return ahead of the Aston Villa fixture. However, his continued work in the gym suggests that his recovery is taking longer than anticipated, meaning that he is ‘practically ruled out’ of the contest.Kounde unlikely to recover in time for Aston VillaKounde has been sidelined for more than two weeks with a sprained left ankle. Kounde is likely to miss the Aston Villa fixture. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)As a result, the defender missed El Clasico and Barcelona’s subsequent La Liga encounter against Alaves, with his recovery now expected to keep him out of Tuesday’s European fixture as well.Hence, his absence will be a strong setback for Flick, who has been forced to reorganise his defence because of the ongoing injury situation. Garcia and Christensen closing in on returnsBarcelona are, however, approaching a period when defensive reinforcements could become available. On that note, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen are both nearing the final stages of their recoveries, although both are unlikely to return before the Aston Villa clash.Garcia suffered a right rectus femoris injury against Real Betis, with an initial recovery estimate of three to four weeks. Kounde has not trained with the squad yet. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)He will have completed three weeks of rehabilitation by the Atletico Madrid fixture, and there is optimism that he could return for the trip to the Metropolitano.Christensen, on the other hand, is also expected to be available next Sunday after almost six weeks out with a tear in his left rectus femoris. With Kounde unavailable and Garcia and Christensen not expected back until the Atletico fixture, Flick will once again have to find another temporary solution against Aston Villa.On that note, Frenkie de Jong and Brian Farinas are likely to retain their improvised defensive roles after featuring against Alaves.