Winger Lamine Yamal will not be included in Barcelona’s squad for their upcoming Champions League clash against Newcastle United on Thursday. This decision comes in light of the 18-year-old’s recent struggle with a groin injury, which caused him to miss Barcelona’s commanding 6-0 victory over Valencia on Sunday. The situation has been compounded by the concerns raised by Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, regarding the substantial playing time Yamal experienced while representing Spain during the recent international break.
During this international period, Yamal played pivotal roles for the Spanish national team, accumulating a combined total of 152 minutes on the pitch. His performances included a strong showing in Spain’s 3-0 triumph over Bulgaria on September 4, where he was on the field for 79 minutes, as well as a hefty 73-minute stint in a decisive 6-0 victory against Turkey just three days later. While his contributions are commendable, the demanding schedule may have taken a toll on the young winger’s fitness, leading to his current condition.
Barcelona’s recent match against Valencia serves as a testament to the team’s resilience and strength, as they secured a breathtaking 6-0 win without the services of Yamal. This outcome underscores the squad’s depth and ability to perform at a high level, even in the absence of key players. Nonetheless, the absence of Yamal for their inaugural Champions League match of the season at St James’ Park is a strategic move aimed at prioritizing his recovery.
In addition, Barcelona will face further challenges as they will also be without Spanish left-back Alejandro Balde, who is struggling with a hamstring injury, and midfielder Gavi, who is sidelined due to a knee issue. Both players are important fixtures in the team, and their unavailability could significantly impact Barcelona’s tactical setup and overall performance against a formidable opponent like Newcastle.
On a brighter note, Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who missed the game against Valencia after returning from international duty, will be available for the encounter with Newcastle. His presence in the midfield is crucial for Barcelona as they seek to establish dominance in this highly competitive Champions League campaign. Last season, Barcelona celebrated victory in La Liga and made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they were edged out by Inter Milan. As the team now gears up for this highly anticipated match, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how they adapt to the current lineup challenges and maintain their competitive spirit on the European stage.
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