Hansi Flick backs Xavi Espart at right-back as Jules Kounde is ruled out of El Clasico

Flick confirms Kounde absence for El Clasico

Hansi Flick has confirmed that Jules Kounde will not be available for El Clásico and is once again placing his faith in 19-year-old Xavi Espart to play at right-back in Sunday's La Liga clash against Real Madrid.

The coach spoke about the two full-backs at a press conference on Saturday. Kounde is still not fully recovered from an ankle injury suffered against Real Betis last weekend, and Flick said Barcelona will not take risks with the Frenchman's long-term fitness given the other absences at the back.

"We don't want to take any risks"

Flick was blunt about the decision. "Koundé won't be available tomorrow; we don't want to take any risks, we have to accept it," he said.

He also praised Espart, who had a brilliant night in Paris as a right-back. "[Xavi Espart] is a professional. He did very well in the last few matches. For me, he's an incredible player, but he also has room for improvement. We need to work on his potential. He needs to keep proving himself."

A tough test against Diomande

Espart will face another demanding challenge against Madrid's big-money signing Yan Diomande, and Flick believes the teenager has what it takes to produce another strong performance this weekend.

Flick's faith in a La Masia prospect

Flick deserves credit for Espart's rise. He compared the young defender to Philipp Lahm when Espart was still relatively unknown as a La Masia prospect, and has trusted him as a starter since the start of the season.