Jules Koundé Substituted in Champions League Semifinal: Injury Concerns Arise
Barcelona, Spain – April 30, 2025 – In a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League semifinal first-leg clash between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, fans were left on edge as star defender Jules Koundé was substituted during the match, raising concerns about a potential injury. The substitution, which saw Eric García replace Koundé, was noted in an official post by FC Barcelona on X at 20:44 WAT, though no explicit mention of an injury was made, leaving the reason for the change unclear.
Match Context and Koundé’s Role
Barcelona entered the semifinal riding high after a dramatic 3-2 victory over rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on April 26, 2025, where Koundé scored the decisive goal in extra time. The Blaugrana, under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick, are chasing a historic treble, leading La Liga by four points and advancing confidently in the Champions League after a 5-3 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals. Koundé, a versatile defender who has excelled as both a right-back and center-back, has been a linchpin in Barcelona’s campaign, playing 51 matches across all competitions this season and logging 4,261 minutes for the club, alongside eight appearances for France.
The matchup against Inter Milan, a defensively resolute side managed by Simone Inzaghi, was billed as a tactical chess match. Barcelona, favored at home with odds of -160, boasted an attacking output of 37 goals in the competition, led by the likes of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres, who has filled in admirably for the injured Robert Lewandowski. Koundé’s role as a right-back was critical, providing defensive stability against Inter’s attacking threats, including Lautaro Martínez and potentially Marko Arnautović, who was in line to replace the doubtful Marcus Thuram.
The Substitution: Injury or Tactical?
The moment that sparked concern came when Koundé was replaced by Eric García, as announced by FC Barcelona’s X post. Without official confirmation of an injury, speculation arose among fans and analysts. Koundé’s durability is legendary—he played 104 consecutive matches for club and country from November 2023 until a rest against Real Mallorca in April 2025, a streak that underscored his physical resilience and importance to the team. His substitution in such a high-stakes match, especially without prior indication of fatigue or tactical necessity, led many to fear an injury.
Koundé’s injury history provides some context. In September 2022, he suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty with France, sidelining him for three to four weeks. In October 2023, a knee sprain kept him out for about a month. While these incidents highlight his occasional vulnerability, Koundé has largely been a model of consistency, with Flick jokingly noting his relentless work ethic, saying, “The problem with Jules is that when I tell him I’m going to give him 30 minutes’ less, the next day he goes to Sitges to run.”
Impact on Barcelona’s Campaign
If Koundé’s substitution was indeed injury-related, it could pose a significant challenge for Barcelona. The team is already without key players like Lewandowski (hamstring), Alejandro Balde (thigh), Marc Casado (knee), and Marc Bernal (ACL). Koundé’s versatility and defensive nous are crucial, particularly against an Inter side known for its midfield dominance through Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Nicolò Barella, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Eric García, while capable, lacks Koundé’s experience and attacking contributions from the right-back position, where he has provided eight assists this season.
The timing of a potential injury could not be worse. Barcelona face a grueling schedule, with the second leg against Inter Milan on May 6 or 7, a pivotal La Liga Clásico against Real Madrid looming, and the Copa del Rey title already secured. Koundé’s absence, even for a short period, could disrupt Flick’s plans as Barcelona aim for their first Champions League final since 2015.
What’s Next?
As of now, no official statement from FC Barcelona or UEFA has confirmed whether Koundé’s substitution was due to an injury, a precautionary measure, or a tactical decision. Fans await updates from the club’s medical staff, with post-match press conferences from Flick and players likely to shed light on the situation. If Koundé is sidelined, Barcelona will need to rely on their depth, with players like García and potentially Héctor Fort stepping up, though the latter has not yet earned Flick’s full trust.
For real-time updates, supporters can follow FC Barcelona’s official channels or check UEFA’s Champions League coverage. The outcome of this semifinal tie, and Koundé’s availability for the return leg, could define Barcelona’s season. For now, the Blaugrana faithful hold their breath, hoping their star defender’s exit was merely a precaution in a match that could shape their treble dreams.
