Newcastle United will not face a full strength Barcelona side in their upcoming Champions League encounter.
Hansi Flick’s side travel to St James’ Park on 18th September, as both clubs get their Champions League campaign underway.
It represents a blockbuster return to the competition for Newcastle United, as Eddie Howe attempts to enjoy another historic European night as Toon boss.
Barcelona have injury problems heading into the game. Alejandro Balde looks set to miss the Newcastle match, having recently suffered a hamstring injury.
And he is not the only Barcelona star who could be absent at St James’ Park next week.
Hansi Flick looks on while managing Barcelona.
Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images
Gavi is injured for Newcastle United vs Barcelona
As well as Balde, Barcelona have another injury problem to deal with ahead of their trip to Tyneside.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Gavi is going to be out of action for at least three weeks with a knee injury that he suffered before the international break.
It was enough to rule him out of the current Spain camp, and it looks set to rule him out of the game at St James’ Park.
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Mundo Deportivo state it is hoped that the injury will go away without surgery, with the belief being that he can return to training in three weeks.
While it is positive for Gavi that he is not set for a sustained spell on the sidelines, it does mean he will be unavailable for Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Newcastle United.
Will Newcastle United be at full strength against Barcelona?
Barcelona have a couple of fitness issues ahead of the game next Thursday. As for Newcastle United, Eddie Howe could have a clean bill of health.
Joelinton is Newcastle’s main injury concern right now. He was forced off during the defeat to Liverpool and subsequently missed the draw away to Leeds.
However, Howe hopes that Joelinton will be back after the international break, which should mean he is fit to face Barca.
Elsewhere, Newcastle will hopefully have Jacob Ramsey fit and available. He replaced Joelinton against Leeds, but picked up an injury in that game himself. A swollen ankle forced him off at half-time, on what was his first Toon start.
Howe will provide an official update on the pair on Friday before Newcastle’s Premier League game against Wolves.