The newly-signed midfielder still awaits the registration of his contract at Barca.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is confident the club will register Jules Kounde’s contract before their next La Liga game.
The Catalans signed the former Sevilla star on a €60m deal earlier this month. However, La Liga regulations have prevented them from adding his name to their squad list.
“We are convinced that Jules will be able to play tomorrow and he will be registered,” Xavi said.
“We will never adulterate the competition. It’s certain that Barcelona has not done so.
It is turning out very difficult to register players. We are optimistic about tomorrow, but it is a matter of numbers and fitting the numbers with the ‘fair play’.”
Kounde is the only summer signing at Barca whose contract is still unregistered.
The Spanish giants have added the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha to their ranks, hoping to reclaim their place in European football under Xavi.
The busy transfer window has already mounted expectations on Xavi’s shoulder as he starts his first full season in charge of Barca.
Following a frustrating draw against Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou, the Catalans smashed Real Sociedad 4-1 last weekend.
Let’s see if Kounde and co can snatch their second consecutive victory when they face Real Valladolid on Sunday.
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