Eddie Howe's Newcastle United will welcome Barcelona to St James' Park on the opening matchday of the Champions League later this month
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick
Barcelona's head coach Hansi Flick(Image: Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Barcelona are reportedly sweating on the fitness of their midfielder Gavi ahead of the start of the Champions League campaign against Newcastle United.
The 21-year-old featured in the opening two La Liga matches of the campaign against Mallorca and Levante but was forced to sit out of the draw against Rayo Vallecano shortly before the international break due to a knee injury. At first glance, Barca were hopeful that the injury was not too serious but were being cautious.
In 2023, Gavi suffered a cruciate ligament tear that kept him out of action between November that year until the following September. It is believed that the Spaniard's current injury is in the same knee that he suffered the tear in two years ago.
Despite the desire for him to return for the clash against Valencia next weekend, it now seems that option is off the table entirely and AS understands Gavi will also sit out of the game against the Magpies. Newcastle will be keen to ensure that they do not become complacent upon discovering news of the midfielder's injury.
Gavi during a Barcelona game
Gavi during a Barcelona game(Image: Manu Reino/DeFodi Images/REX/Shutterstock)
Eddie Howe will be fully aware of the threat that Hansi Flick's side pose heading into this season's competition. Barca reached the semi-finals of the competition last season but lost to Inter 7-6 on aggregate in a thrilling two-legged fixture.
Despite the European disappointment, Flick's men enjoyed domestic success winning La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup to insert their dominance over the country's football. While Barca have started their title defence with two victories and a draw, Newcastle have struggled to get off the marks yet.
Two draws and a defeat have seen Howe's team languishing towards the foot of the table albeit it is still early days.
The hope will be that new striker signings Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade shall hit the ground running in the north east to bring him that so far elusive first victory of the campaign.
Newcastle host Barca on Thursday, September 18 in a 8pm kick-off. Chronicle Live shall be providing all of the coverage on the night here.
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