Barcelona confirm injury blow 2 weeks before huge Newcastle game in the Champions League
The buzz is already building on Tyneside as one of the most iconic fixtures in European football makes its long-awaited return. Later this month, the famous lights of St. James’ Park will shine down on a Champions League night once again, and the opponents could hardly be more glamorous.
Newcastle United are set to host the Spanish champions, Barcelona, in a match that promises to evoke a flood of historic memories and present a thrilling new challenge.
For Newcastle fans of a certain generation, the mere mention of Barcelona brings a smile to the face and the echo of a legendary night.
While the overall record favors the Catalan club, the Magpies famously pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory back in September 1997.
On that unforgettable evening, the mercurial Tino Asprilla wrote his name into club folklore with a spectacular hat-trick, a result that still stands as one of the greatest European triumphs in the history of Newcastle United.
That legacy of magic on the big stage provides a powerful source of inspiration for the current squad and its supporters.
The task ahead of them, however, is a formidable one. Barcelona arrive as La Liga winners and will be heavily favored. But under the lights at a packed St. James’ Park, anything can happen.
Eddie Howe’s team has already proven it can rise to the occasion against continental giants, most notably with that unforgettable 4-1 demolition of Paris Saint-Germain during their last European campaign.
The team and the fans will be hoping to channel that same explosive energy and belief to create another historic result.
As both managers finalize their preparations following the international break, the fitness of key players is always a major talking point.
In a significant development, Barcelona has confirmed a setback in their defensive plans. First-choice left-back Alejandro Balde has suffered a hamstring injury in training.
The club’s official statement noted the 21-year-old sustained a “slight injury to his left hamstring” and that “his availability will depend on how he progresses.”
This is a genuine blow for Hansi Flick’s side, as the dynamic defender has started all three of their league games this season. His potential absence could force a tactical reshuffle for the visitors.
For Newcastle, the squad announcement for the group stage has brought its own points of discussion. In a notable decision, captain Jamaal Lascelles, who was a rock at the back during the last European adventure, has been left out of the main List A squad for this first phase.
Instead, the defensive core will be built around the likes of Sven Botman, Fabian Schär, and new signing Malick Thiaw.
The full List A includes:
Goalkeepers: Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Fabian Schär, Malick Thiaw, Emil Krafth, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn
Midfielders: Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock, Bruno Guimarães, Jacob Ramsey
Forwards: Yoane Wissa, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, William Osula, Anthony Elanga, Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade
Furthermore, the exciting young talents Lewis Hall and Lewis Miley have been named on the List B. This is a special list for players under the age of 21 who have been eligible to play for the club for an uninterrupted period of two years, meaning both remain fully available for selection and can be called upon without taking up a spot in the main squad.
The stage is set for a monumental clash. While Barcelona navigates an injury concern, Newcastle has assembled a deep and versatile squad ready to embrace the challenge. The return of Champions League football to the city is an event in itself, and facing a club of Barcelona’s stature is a testament to how far the team has come. All eyes will be on the northeast of England for what promises to be a captivating European night.