France defender Jules KoundÃ© hurts leg in Barcelona game

Posted October 29, 2022 7:00 am

The Associated Press

MADRID (AP) - France and Barcelona defender Jules KoundÃ© has been substituted after apparently hurting his leg during Saturday's Spanish league match at Valencia on Saturday.

KoundÃ© is expected to play for France in the World Cup in Qatar where it will defend the title.

KoundÃ© said after Barcelona's 1-0 victory that he believed the pain was just 'œmuscle strain.'ť

'œWe will see, but I don't think it is anything serious,'ť he said before adding that the season's compact schedule was too much for players' fitness.

'œThis is the first time that we have to play every three days this early in the season,'ť KoundÃ© said. 'œI believe that we are going a bit crazy with so many games. Sometimes those in charge don't think about the players.'ť

The versatile defender went down late in the second half, touching the back of his left thigh. He walked off on his own power when replaced by Gerard Pique.

France opens its World Cup defense against Australia on Nov. 22. It also plays Denmark and Tunisia in Group D.

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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup

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