According to Sport, Barcelona defender Jules Koundé is currently experiencing an unusual situation. After several consecutive seasons as a key player for both Barcelona and the French national team, his playing time has decreased significantly in recent weeks, a trend that has continued during this international break.

Koundé did not play a single minute in France's draw with Italy at Stade de France. Zidane continued to select Kalulu at right-back, the same arrangement as in the previous match against Belgium, leaving Koundé on the bench for the entire match. Even when Upamecano was sent off late in the game and France were reduced to 10 men, Koundé was not brought on.

Considering his recent situation with both club and country, Koundé's playing time has declined sharply. He previously missed Barcelona's matches against Levante, Racing Santander, and Sevilla. At international level, he started and played 90 minutes for France against Turkey, but did not feature in subsequent matches against Belgium and Italy.

This means that across his six most recent matches with club and country, Koundé has played a total of just 90 minutes out of a theoretical 540 minutes.

At Barcelona, competition for the right-back position has intensified since last season. Flick has recently found alternatives to Koundé: Eric García played right-back in matches against Levante and Sevilla, while Cancelo took on the role in the Racing Santander game.

The arrival of Cancelo and the versatility of Eric García have created new competition for Koundé. Just a few months ago, his starting position was almost unquestionable, but now his standing in the right-back pecking order has been significantly affected.

However, for Barcelona, Koundé's limited recent playing time also means he has faced less physical strain. During this international break so far, he has played just 90 minutes for France, so he may return to the club in better physical condition.

France has one final match during this international break, again against Belgium at Stade de France on October 5, so it remains to be seen whether Koundé will get an opportunity.

His main rival, Eric García, has also not exerted himself much in his national team matches; due to left knee discomfort, Eric García left the Spain squad early without playing and has since undergone specialized rehabilitation training. He has now fully recovered and is fit to play, though Flick may still choose to use him cautiously.

In contrast, Cancelo has received significantly more playing time with the Portugal national team during this international break, with considerably higher physical intensity than Koundé and Eric García. This difference in fitness levels could be a factor in Flick's selection for the next match.

After the international break, Barcelona will face Getafe in La Liga. According to Sport's analysis, given that Cancelo has played extensively for the national team, Koundé and Eric García could be stronger candidates for the right-back position in that match.

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