Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is set to miss Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Newcastle United at St James’ Park, according to The Athletic’s Pol Ballus.
The 18-year-old sat out Barcelona’s 6-0 La Liga win over Valencia at the weekend due to a groin problem, and it looks like he won’t recover in time for Thursday’s UCL opener.
There was initial optimism on Barcelona’s side over his availability for the European clash, but head coach Hansi Flick confirmed concerns over the teenager’s fitness.
Flick questioned Spain’s handling of Yamal during the international break, revealing the winger played more than 150 minutes across victories against Bulgaria and Turkey after taking painkillers.
“There are things we cannot control,” Flick said on Saturday, clearly frustrated at the risk taken by Spain’s national team with one of Barcelona’s most valuable players.
Yamal has been his usual great self at the start of the season, scoring twice and providing two assists in three La Liga games. His absence will be a significant blow for Barcelona but wonderful news for the Magpies, with Barcelona already managing minutes for veteran Robert Lewandowski and winger Raphinha against Valencia.
Flick was forced to rotate his squad heavily last weekend, using Ferran Torres, Marcus Rashford, Roony Bardghiji, and Fermin Lopez in attacking roles contrary to his usual lineups.
Barcelona travel to Tyneside with 10 points from their first four league fixtures, while the Magpies will enter the game having five points in four Premier League matches.
