The Spanish newspaper 'Sport' revealed that French defender Jules Koundé is not suffering from any injury that causes concern, following his substitution during Barcelona's match against Villarreal in La Liga.

According to the newspaper, Koundé requested to be substituted after feeling muscle cramps, due to a mild illness he experienced in the previous days, which was also mentioned by coach Hans Flick after the match, with no indications of any muscular or physical injury.

The newspaper clarified that the player will not undergo any medical examinations, especially as the first team enters the holiday period until December 29, and the team's facilities in Sant Joan Despí are closed, where calm prevails without any official activity.

The newspaper confirmed that Koundé is a key element in Hans Flick's plans, and his importance has increased after repositioning Eric Garcia in the defensive midfield role, making the French international the fixed choice in his position recently.

The newspaper added that Koundé’s absence would have posed a tactical problem for the team, which led the technical staff during the Villarreal match to rely on Casado as a temporary solution, in a position he previously held with Barcelona Atlètic.

The report indicated that Barcelona will be able to rely on Koundé in their first match of the new year against Espanyol on January 3, while awaiting the return of Dani Olmo and Pedri, with Gavi and Christensen remaining the only injured players, as the Danish defender is likely to miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury.