Newcastle United are gearing up for a marquee UEFA Champions League opener against Barcelona on 18 September 2025 at St. James’ Park, with the Magpies buoyed by their recent 1-0 Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, Barcelona’s mounting injury concerns could tilt the balance, with five key players potentially sidelined. The Toon are currenlty 20/1 to win the Champions league this season according to Irish bookies, so they may well be worth a punt. Meanwhile, football legend David Beckham has tipped Newcastle as a “surprise package” in the tournament, praising their unity and talent. On the women’s side, Newcastle United Women salvaged a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United Women on 15 September 2025, maintaining their strong start in the Women’s Super League 2.
Barcelona’s Injury Woes: Five Players at Risk
Barcelona head into their Champions League league phase opener against Newcastle hampered by a significant injury crisis, with five players either ruled out or doubtful. The Catalan giants’ medical report, released on 15 September 2025, highlights issues stemming from international duty and ongoing recoveries, potentially weakening their squad for the trip to Tyneside. Manager Hansi Flick expressed frustration over the handling of young talents by national teams, particularly regarding Lamine Yamal, emphasizing the need for better player welfare.
Confirmed Absences
Gavi (Midfielder): The 21-year-old Spanish international, a vital component of Barcelona’s midfield engine, is sidelined with a knee injury sustained during preseason. Barcelona’s medical update indicates he could be out for up to six weeks, with surgery not ruled out to address meniscus concerns. Flick praised Gavi’s commitment, stating, “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.” Gavi’s absence deprives Barcelona of his tenacity and energy, forcing reliance on alternatives like Marc Bernal, who recently returned from an ACL injury.
Alejandro Balde (Left-Back): The 21-year-old defender suffered a hamstring injury in training earlier this month and is expected to be sidelined until October. Balde’s speed and defensive contributions are crucial, and his absence leaves a gap at left-back, with Flick likely to deploy Gerard Martín or a makeshift option from midfield.
Marc-André ter Stegen (Goalkeeper): Barcelona’s first-choice keeper underwent back surgery in August 2025 and will not return until later in the year. With Iñaki Peña also doubtful due to a minor knock, newly signed Joan García from Espanyol is set to make his competitive debut between the posts. Ter Stegen’s experience is a major loss, particularly in high-stakes European matches.
Injury Doubts
Lamine Yamal (Winger): The 18-year-old sensation is a major doubt with a groin injury (discomfort in the pubic area) that has prevented training. Barcelona’s statement noted, “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.” Flick was vocal about Spain’s role, accusing them of administering painkillers and playing Yamal despite fitness concerns during UEFA Nations League wins over Bulgaria and Turkey. He remarked, “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.” Yamal’s absence would deprive Barcelona of his creativity and directness on the right flank.
Frenkie de Jong (Midfielder): The 28-year-old Dutch international sustained a slight injury to the external obturator muscle in his right leg during the Netherlands’ 1-1 draw with Poland. Barcelona’s update stated, “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 is the most likely of the doubtful players to feature, but a cautious approach could see him rested, with Pedri or İlkay Gündoğan stepping in.
These injuries stem largely from international breaks, with Flick criticising national teams for inadequate communication. Barcelona’s squad depth will be tested, potentially benefiting Newcastle, who are eager to capitalise on any weaknesses.
Eddie Howe’s Perspective on the Barcelona Challenge
Eddie Howe remains unfazed by Barcelona’s injury issues, focusing on his team’s preparation. In a pre-match interview on 16 September 2025, Howe stated, “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.” Howe drew parallels to Newcastle’s memorable 4-1 upset over Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, featuring Kylian Mbappé under the floodlights at St. James’ Park, which propelled them to the knockout stages before PSG won the competition the following year. He added, “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.”
Howe’s comments reflect confidence in his squad, bolstered by recent signings like Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, and a strong start with two wins and a draw in their first three Premier League games. The 1-0 victory over Wolves on 13 September, where Woltemade scored on debut, provides momentum heading into this European test.
David Beckham’s “Surprise” Prediction for Newcastle
Football icon David Beckham has backed Newcastle United as a potential “surprise package” in the 2025–26 Champions League, dismissing early scepticism about their prospects. Appearing on CBS Sports on 15 September 2025 alongside Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards, Beckham predicted Real Madrid as winners and Kylian Mbappé as top scorer but highlighted Newcastle’s unity and talent as key to defying expectations. He stated, “I think people are already writing Newcastle United off (in the Champions League). Newcastle are a good team, they have some good players. Very together as a team, as fans and as a club. They could surprise a few people.”
Beckham’s endorsement contrasts with Carragher’s initial prediction that three of the six England teams (including Newcastle) would fail to advance from the league phase. Carragher jokingly retracted, saying, “They are one of my three to go through – they are now!” Beckham’s affinity for Newcastle stems from his admiration for the club and fans, having played there for England national football team and praising their atmosphere. This prediction aligns with Newcastle’s tough but navigable schedule, including home games against Benfica, Athletic Bilbao, and PSV Eindhoven, and away trips to Union SG, Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen, and PSG.
Newcastle’s league phase fixtures are:
18 September: Barcelona (H)
1 October: Union SG (A)
21 October: Benfica (H)
5 November: Athletic Bilbao (H)
25 November: Marseille (A)
10 December: Bayer Leverkusen (A)
21 January 2026: PSV Eindhoven (H)
28 January 2026: PSG (A)
Advancing requires finishing in the top 24 of the 36-team league phase, a realistic goal given Newcastle’s recent form and Barcelona’s vulnerabilities.
Newcastle United Women’s Draw: A Tough Battle Against Sheffield United
Newcastle United Women’s 1-1 draw against Sheffield United Women on 15 September 2025 at Gateshead International Stadium, in front of 2,520 fans, marked a gritty point in their Women’s Super League 2 (WSL2) campaign. The match, a turgid affair lacking fluency, saw Newcastle salvage a late equaliser after trailing at halftime, extending their unbeaten start with four points from two games, level with Birmingham City.
Match Report
Newcastle, hosting their first home game of the season at the new permanent venue, made one change from their 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, with Lois Joel replacing the injured USA midfielder. The game began with an early scare, as Charlie Devlin nearly lobbed Claudia Moan from 40 yards in the 22nd second, only for Moan to tip it away. Newcastle struggled to break down Sheffield’s organised defence, with Beth Lumsden’s thunderbolt in the 15th minute and Emily Murphy’s header from a Freya Godfrey corner in the 18th going close.
Disaster struck in the 45th minute when Tammi George fed Devlin, who curled a left-footed shot past Moan to give Sheffield a shock lead. At halftime, manager Becky Langley made three substitutions: Jas McQuade, Lia Cataldo, and Oona Sevenius for Joel, Lumsden, and Murphy. The second half remained flat, with Sheffield nearly doubling their lead in the 82nd minute when Emma Taylor’s overhit cross struck the crossbar.
Newcastle’s equaliser arrived in the 85th minute from their first shot on target. Skipper Deanna Cooper’s through ball sent Demi Stokes racing down the left, whose cross was half-volleyed home by McQuade at the back post. Despite five minutes of added time, Sheffield held firm for a deserved point, having created the better chances.
Analysis and Next Steps
The performance was disappointing for Newcastle, who expected victory against a relegated Sheffield side reprieved after Blackburn Rovers’ withdrawal. Langley’s changes injected energy but failed to unlock the visitors until late. Standouts included Moan’s saves and Cooper’s assist, but the lack of creativity and energy highlighted areas for improvement. Sheffield, despite a 4-0 opening loss to Sunderland, showed resilience.
Newcastle’s four points place them fifth, with a trip to Birmingham City on 22 September next. The draw maintains momentum but serves as a wake-up call against a “dangerous and much fancied” opponent.
