Lamine Yamal is ruled out of Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Newcastle due to a groin injury. Barcelona faces injury challenges with key players missing, but Frenkie de Jong returns. The team aims for a strong start in their European campaign against Newcastle before facing PSG.
Barcelona's promising young talent, Lamine Yamal, is set to miss the highly anticipated Champions League opener against Newcastle United on Thursday. The news comes as a blow to the Catalan side, who are eager to make a strong start to their European campaign. Yamal's absence is due to a groin injury sustained while on international duty with Spain, forcing him to sit out Barcelona’s recent 6-0 victory over Valencia in La Liga.
The 18-year-old winger has been a revelation this season, showcasing exceptional form with four goal contributions (two goals and two assists) in just three La Liga appearances. His dynamic play and ability to create scoring opportunities have made him a key figure in Hansi Flick’s squad. Last season, Yamal played a pivotal role in Barcelona's journey to the Champions League semi-finals, netting five goals and providing three assists, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in European football.
Yamal's impact extends beyond goals and assists. In the 2024-25 Champions League season, he completed an impressive 56 dribbles, surpassing all other players in the competition. This remarkable feat highlights his agility, technical skill, and ability to take on defenders, making him a constant threat in the attacking third. Rafael Leao of AC Milan was second in this metric, with 17 fewer dribbles, underscoring Yamal's dominance in this aspect of the game.
The injury means Yamal will have to postpone reaching another significant milestone in his burgeoning career. His next appearance in the Champions League would have seen him become the player with the most appearances in the competition while aged 18 or younger, a record he is currently on the cusp of achieving with 23 appearances. The club has confirmed that Yamal will remain in Spain to focus on his recovery and rehabilitation, working towards regaining his fitness in time for Barcelona's upcoming league fixture against Getafe. Meanwhile, the rest of the team will travel to England to face Newcastle.
The squad list for Newcastle! pic.twitter.com/md9rJVqXx7
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 17, 2025
In positive news for Barcelona, Frenkie de Jong has been included in Flick's matchday squad after successfully recovering from his own groin problem. De Jong's return will provide a significant boost to the team's midfield options, offering stability and creativity in the center of the pitch.
However, Barcelona will also be without the services of Alejandro Balde and Gavi for the match at St. James' Park. Both players are sidelined with injuries, Balde suffering from a hamstring issue and Gavi recovering from a knee injury. Their absence further compounds Barcelona's injury woes, leaving Flick with limited choices in certain positions.
Barcelona are determined to kick off their Champions League campaign with a victory, setting the tone for a successful run in the competition. Following the clash against Newcastle, they are scheduled to face reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Securing a win against Newcastle is crucial for building momentum and confidence ahead of the challenging fixture against the French giants.
The upcoming match will be the fifth competitive meeting between Newcastle and Barcelona. The Magpies emerged victorious in the first encounter, securing a 3-2 win in September 1997. However, Barcelona have dominated the subsequent three matches, winning each of them. Newcastle will be looking to rekindle the spirit of their historic victory and cause an upset against the Spanish giants.
Barcelona's manager, Hansi Flick, faces a tactical challenge in navigating the team through the injury crisis. He will need to reshuffle the lineup and rely on the depth of his squad to compensate for the absence of key players. The match against Newcastle presents an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth, contributing to the team's collective effort to secure a positive result.
Despite the setbacks, Barcelona remain confident in their ability to compete at the highest level. The team possesses a wealth of experience and talent, and they are determined to overcome the challenges posed by injuries and secure a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League. The match against Newcastle will be a test of their resilience and determination, and they will be looking to demonstrate their quality on the European stage.
Newcastle, on the other hand, will be eager to make a statement in their return to the Champions League. The Magpies have been revitalized under their new ownership and manager, and they are determined to compete with the best teams in Europe. The match against Barcelona presents a significant challenge, but it also offers an opportunity to showcase their progress and ambition. The home crowd at St. James' Park will undoubtedly provide a passionate atmosphere, creating a daunting environment for the visiting Barcelona team.
The Champions League opener between Newcastle and Barcelona promises to be a captivating encounter, filled with tactical intrigue and individual brilliance. Both teams have their sights set on victory, and the match is likely to be a closely contested affair. The absence of Lamine Yamal is a setback for Barcelona, but they have the depth and quality to overcome the challenge. Newcastle, meanwhile, will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and make a memorable return to the Champions League stage.