Ahead of Newcastle United’s clash with Barcelona in the Champions League, it’s reported that five key players could miss their trip to Tyneside.
The most high-profile absence is 18-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal. He is on Barcelona’s injury list as a major doubt for the game on Thursday as struggles with a groin issue.
The Catalan Club released a statement on the condition of the Spanish superstar, stating “Lamine Yamal is experiencing discomfort in the pubic area and is currently unable to train or play. His return to training will depend on how his condition evolves.”
Barca manager Hansi Flick is said to be furious with the Spanish national team, after they reportedly played Yamal when he was not at 100% fitness, leading to his injury and inability to return to training. In an interview, the German coach said:
“Spain gave him painkillers and even when they were winning they made him play. This is not taking care of the players. I’m very sad about this.”
Gavi, one of Barcelona’s bright lights in midfield, is also set to miss out on Thursday with a knee injury. He is expected to be out for six weeks while the club decide whether surgery is needed to heal Barca’s engine.
Manager Flick said “Gavi can be the heart of this team. He gives everything for this team and the club.” “At first, he was worried about this injury, but we have to see how he evolves.”
Starting left back Alejandro Balde looks set to miss the match at St James’ Park, after he picked up a hamstring injury in training, earlier in the month. He looks set to be out until October, no date has been specified.
Senior midfield technician Frenkie De Jong is also facing a race against time to play. He picked up a muscle injury on international duty against Poland, which the Spanish giants confirmed in a statement:
“The player Frenkie de Jong has suffered a slight injury to the external obturator muscle in his right leg. His recovery will determine his availability.”
De Jong seems the most likely of the list to make a return at St James’ Park, however, there is still a doubt he’ll be ready in time.
Experienced goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is ruled out of the tie, as he underwent surgery on a back issue and won’t be available for selection until later in the year, meaning previously linked goalkeeper Joan Garcia should start following his summer switch from Espanyol.
Howe on Barcelona test
News of these injuries have made their way to Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe. He admitted that he wants to win against the best of the best, but it is ‘irrelevant’ in terms of his team and how they play. He said:
“You want to play the best teams, you want to play against the best players, you want to challenge yourselves as much as you can.”
“In saying that, we also want to win, so we’ll take whoever they play. We know they’ve got world-class players in all the positions. It’s irrelevant to a degree, but obviously I understand the question.”
Last time Newcastle were in the Champions League, it saw one of the best players in the world, Kylian Mbappe under the floodlights at St James Park. Newcastle won in emphatic fashion that day, beating PSG a whopping four goals to one, before the French giants went on to win the competitions the year after.
Howe & Co must be confident again of another upset occurring on a Champions League night, but the Newcastle boss has a calming perspective on the occasion.
“For me, it’s a magical game. It’s the type of game that you’re desperate to be a part of, desperate to hopefully represent the club really well, and I think that’s our challenge.”
