Newcastle United are relishing a mouth-watering Champions League clash with Barcelona next Thursday.
Barcelona playmaker Frenkie de Jong will reportedly be fit to face Newcastle United a week today.
Excitement levels are beginning to ramp up ahead of the Champions League opener next Thursday. A fixture against Barcelona brings anticipation and nostalgia due to Newcastle’s history against the La Liga giants in the 90s and 00s.
A new-look Toon outfit - with Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade replacing Alexander Isak - will go head-to-head with the Spanish champions. To supporters, nights like this were a pipe dream before the Saudi-backed takeover four years ago.
Frenkie de Jong fitness update
Barca were facing a potential setback ahead of the clash after De Jong withdrew from the Netherlands’ squad. Dutch manager Ronald Koeman suggested the injury was not too serious during the international break.
“I don’t think it’s very serious, but it’s too risky to let him play,” he said. “It wasn’t enough to give him a chance in Sunday’s match.”
De Jong will miss Barcelona’s clash against Valencia this weekend - raising fears about his availability next Thursday. However, Esports reporter Alex Pintanel reports that the 28-year-old will be fit and firing for the St James’ Park clash.
💪 Frenkie de Jong treballa amb l’objectiu d’estar al 100% davant el Newcastle.
— Alex Pintanel (@alexpintanel) September 10, 2025
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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