Newcastle United are set to face Barcelona in the Champions League on September 18.
Frenkie de Jong has withdrawn from international duty and will miss Barcelona’s clash against Valencia this weekend.
As the kingpin of Barca’s midfield, he is a crucial weapon for Newcastle United to keep tabs on next Thursday. That is, of course, if the Dutchman recovers in time for the Champions League opener at St James’ Park.
Newcastle were handed the dream start for this year’s competition when they drew the Catalans a fortnight ago. The Magpies have history with Barcelona, having played against them three times previously.
Arguably the most famous night in the club’s Champions League history came 28 years ago, with Tino Asprilla netting a famous hat-trick to clinch a 3-2 victory. Toon fans will be hoping Eddie Howe’s men can inspire the energy from that night - or the 4-1 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain two years ago - to get their European campaign off to a flyer.
Frenkie de Jong injury doubt
Keeping tabs on Barca injury news is a reality Newcastle supporters only dreamed about just a few years ago. But in a potential blow to the Catalans, key playmaker De Jong could be sidelined.
The 28-year-old left the Netherlands squad early ahead of their 3-2 win over Lithuania. Speaking post-match, manager Ronald Koeman downplayed the severity of De Jong’s injury.
“I don’t think it’s very serious,” he said. “But it’s too risky to let him play. It wasn’t enough to give him a chance in Sunday’s match.”
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim De Jong will be rested for Barca’s clash against Valencia this weekend. The plan is to try and get the midfielder fit and firing for their Champions League trip to Newcastle.
Eddie Howe on Barcelona fixture
Howe referenced Sir Bobby Robson - who managed both clubs - to reporters once the draw was made. He said: "Yeah, really interesting, some great games, exciting prospects. Very competitive matches, what an opportunity to enjoy more games in the Champions League.
It will be tough and challenging but we look forward to it. Barcelona at home - an amazing fixture for us, you get instantly drawn to that with the links with Sir Bobby Robson and the history of the club."
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Jamie Reuben on Champions League draw
Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben is relishing the challenge of facing five former European Cup winners. PSG, Marseille, Benfica and PSV Eindhoven make up the other previous champions.
“Some very big teams, as you say,” he said. “Five champions. So we're definitely in illustrious company, but we're looking forward to it and (there are) some great fixtures ahead.
“I think it (PSG in 2023) was one of my greatest nights ever. I was there and it was an unbelievable performance, our first home game back in the Champions League for so many years. Let's hope we can give that a repeat. We take that as a compliment, the fact that people don't like to come to St James' Park. We have turned it into a fortress in recent years.
“We're looking forward to being back in the Champions League. It's always a special atmosphere, Champions League nights at St James' Park. I hope we'll be up for the occasion.”
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