Hansi Flick sends message to starlet Xavi Espart as Barcelona rule Jules Kounde out of El Clasico

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that Jules Kounde will miss Sunday's El Clasico clash against Real Madrid due to an ankle injury. Flick stated the club will not take risks with Kounde's long-term fitness following the knock he sustained against Real Betis last weekend. In his place, Flick is putting his trust in 19-year-old full-back Xavi Espart to start on the right side of defense.

Flick praised Espart as an incredible professional who performed well in recent matches, including a standout display in Paris. The manager noted that the young defender still has room for improvement and must keep proving himself when facing Real Madrid winger Yan Diomandé. Writer Renato Gonçalves highlights that Flick deserves substantial credit for Espart's emergence, having previously compared the prospect to Philipp Lahm.