Barcelona will be without star winger Lamine Yamal for their Champions League opener against Newcastle United on Thursday after failing to recover from a groin injury.
The 18-year-old was managing the injury during the recent international break, taking painkillers to participate in Spain’s World Cup qualifiers. Subsequently, he was sidelined for Barcelona’s 6-0 LaLiga win against Valencia last weekend and has not trained this week, leading to his exclusion from the squad traveling to Newcastle.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed his regret over the winger’s absence. “For me, it’s a shame he’s not playing,” Howe said at a news conference. “I’m disappointed that we don’t get to see him at his best.”
Yamal’s injury has reportedly caused friction between Barcelona and the Spanish national team, with club coach Hansi Flick accusing Spain of mismanaging the young player.
His absence is a significant blow, as Yamal had started the season in excellent form, contributing two goals and two assists in his first three league games. He also provided three assists in two appearances for Spain last week.
Barcelona will also be missing midfielder Gavi and left-back Alejandro Balde due to injuries, though midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been cleared to return. In Yamal’s place, manager Hansi Flick is expected to choose an attacking front from Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford.
“Whoever they play, they’ve got real pace in wide areas,” Howe added. “They’ve got international players that will challenge us in different ways, so our team performance has got to be really strong. We’re looking forward to that battle.”
After reaching the semifinals last season, the Spanish champions are aiming to secure their first Champions League title since 2015.
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