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• Lamine Yamal one of four Barcelona players at risk of Champions League suspension

  Barcelona travel to Newcastle for their Champions League clash with four key players, including teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, just one yellow card away from being suspended for the decisive second leg. ​Barcelona face a disciplinary crisis ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League trip to St James’ Park. Lamine Yamal, Marc Casado, Gerard Martin, and Fermin Lopez are all one yellow card away from a one-match ban. Should any of the quartet be booked against Newcastle United, they will be ineligible for the return leg at the Camp Nou, leaving manager Hansi Flick with significant selection concerns. ​Beyond suspension risks, Flick is grappling with a depleted squad due to a recent wave of hamstring injuries. Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, and Frenkie de Jong are all sidelined, joining Andreas Christensen on the injury list. While Gavi traveled with the team, he has not yet received medical clearance to play following knee surgery, further stretching a squad already walking a disciplinary tightrope in England.

• Joan Laporta scathingly responds to Xavi Hernandez accusations

  Barcelona President Joan Laporta has scathingly dismissed Xavi Hernández’s allegations of “shadow rule” at the club, claiming the former coach is being used as a political tool by rival Víctor Font to undermine the upcoming elections.

  ​Joan Laporta has hit back at Xavi Hernández’s explosive claims, suggesting the former manager’s dismissal was purely performance-based.

  During a presidential debate, Laporta noted that the decision was vindicated by Hansi Flick’s current success, stating, “The same players who lost with Xavi, now win with Flick.”

  He accused rival candidate Víctor Font of “pulling the strings” behind Xavi to destabilize his re-election campaign with “lies and falsehoods.”

  ​The president also refuted claims he blocked Lionel Messi’s 2023 return, maintaining that the player’s camp chose Inter Miami to avoid pressure.

  Laporta defended his advisor, Alejandro Echevarría, against Xavi’s “shadow manager” accusations, asserting that the change in leadership was necessary for the club’s sporting future.

  “With Xavi I saw that we would continue to lose,” Laporta added, doubling down on the controversial 2024 sacking.

• Xavi claims Joan Laporta blocked Leo Messi return in explosive interview

  Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has accused President Joan Laporta of sabotaging a finalized deal for Lionel Messi’s return, sparking institutional chaos just as the team prepares for a critical Champions League trip to Newcastle.

  ​Xavi Hernandez has ignited a firestorm by claiming a deal for Lionel Messi’s return was fully agreed upon in early 2023 before being blocked by Joan Laporta.

  Speaking ahead of the club’s upcoming presidential elections, the former manager alleged that Laporta feared “waging war” against the superstar and intentionally collapsed the negotiations.

  Xavi also hit out at Alejandro Echevarría, stating, “He completely let me down,” for allegedly running a media campaign against him.

  ​Instituionally, the timing is precarious as Laporta seeks re-election against Víctor Font on March 15.

  On the pitch, Hansi Flick’s side faces a daunting Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

  Despite the distractions, Barcelona remains top of La Liga, with Lamine Yamal in scintillating form.

  Xavi’s explosive comments, however, suggest he has no plans to return, stating, “I’ve already completed my time as a player and coach.”

  ​The Catalans enter Tuesday’s match missing defensive mainstays Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde due to hamstring injuries.

  Flick is expected to rely on Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski to break down a resilient Newcastle defense that has averaged 2.6 goals per game at home.

  As the “last dance” Messi dream remains a point of bitter contention, the current squad must focus on securing a vital away result in England.

• Pedri gesture for family of Atletico Madrid captain goes viral

  Barcelona’s Pedri has gone viral for gifting his signed boots to the son of Atletico Madrid captain Koke, showcasing the deep mutual respect between the two Spanish internationals despite their recent Copa del Rey battle.

  ​Barcelona midfielder Pedri has earned widespread praise after gifting his match-worn boots to Leo, the son of Atletico Madrid captain Koke.

  Despite Atletico eliminating Barcelona from the Copa del Rey earlier this week, Beatriz Espejel, Koke’s wife, thanked Pedri and his family on Instagram for taking “such good care of Leo and me yesterday in Barcelona.”

  The boots were signed with the message, “With affection, for Leo.”

  ​Koke reciprocated the kindness, describing the young Canary Islander as a “machine” and a vital part of Spain’s future.

  Following the intense second leg at Camp Nou, the veteran midfielder was seen consoling an exhausted Pedri on the pitch.

  Koke remarked, “Besides being a great footballer, he’s a spectacular guy.” The two are set to face off again in La Liga at the Metropolitano this April.

• ‘He’s a little bit like Philipp Lahm’ – Hansi Flick’s high praise for Barcelona youngster

  Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has compared 18-year-old academy talent Xavi Espart to German legend Philipp Lahm as the youngster prepares for a potential senior debut following injuries to key defenders.  

  ​Hansi Flick has fast-tracked La Masia graduate Xavi Espart into first-team training following injuries to Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde.

  The German coach was glowing in his assessment of the right-back’s technical versatility.

  Flick remarked, “In Espart’s case, I like his confidence on the ball; he’s a little bit like Philipp Lahm,” noting the teenager’s ability to operate effectively as a defensive midfielder.

  ​With a daunting trip to Athletic Club followed by a Champions League clash at Newcastle, Flick is leaning on his remaining senior stars.

  He praised the resurgent Joao Cancelo, stating, “He’s more confident now. We need him.”

  While Espart and fellow youngster Alvaro Cortes provide depth, Flick remains optimistic about Barcelona’s level, insisting the team is prepared for their upcoming high-stakes fixtures.