Hansi Flick has determined his Jules Kounde replacement – exclusive | OneFootball

The first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Inter Milan earlier this week saw the former lose one of their most important players – Jules Kounde – to an injury.

The French international had to be taken off in the 42nd minute, with Eric Garcia replacing him. Tests on Thursday confirmed that the defender had sustained a thigh injury which could keep him out for three weeks.

This comes as a big blow for Barça with Kounde now set to miss some crucial games, including the reverse leg against Inter Milan in Italy next week.

Ronald Araujo to replace Jules Kounde

Reports had suggested that Eric Garcia was the frontrunner to replace Kounde at right-back in the Inter Milan clash on May 6.

However, sources have now told Barça Universal that Ronald Araujo has a good chance to be the starting right-back when the Blaugrana take on Inter Milan next week in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final.

Set to start vs Inter Milan? (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Manager Hansi Flick believes that the Uruguayan international, who came on as a second-half substitute in the first leg at Montjuic, should feature from the get-go because of the strength and physicality he brings to the table – something the team lacked in the first leg.

It must be noted that Barcelona did find it difficult against Inter in aerial duels and set-piece situations. In fact, two of the visitors’ goals on Wednesday emanated from corner kicks.

Having Araujo, who provides a bigger physical presence in defending such situations while also adding an offensive threat in the opposition box, could make sense for the Catalan heavyweights.

It will be interesting to see if Flick does follow through and start Araujo at right-back or stick with Eric, who did a fine job after replacing Kounde.

What appears certain is that Hector Fort is unlikely to be involved in a starting role, with Flick having other options ahead of the La Masia talent.