Jules Kounde still not training with Barcelona as Ebrima Tunkara & Alex Campos join first team ahead of Alaves clash

Jules Kounde remained absent from Barcelona training on Wednesday due to an ankle injury as the team resumed preparations for Saturday's clash against Alaves. While reports indicate there is hope the French defender could be available for the weekend match, manager Hansi Flick promoted youngsters Alex Campos, Ebrima Tunkara, and Hamza Abdelkarim to train with the first-team squad.

Flick faces defensive shortages with Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, and Xavi Espart also sidelined. Barcelona is looking to bounce back from recent defeats to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, but the manager might avoid risking Kounde ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures against Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid.