Newcastle United welcome Barcelona to St James’ Park for a mammoth Champions League clash next week.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is furious with Spain after all but confirming Lamine Yamal’s absence against Newcastle United.
Yamal played in both of Spain’s games during the recent international break despite carrying an injury. Barca confirmed yesterday that the 18-year-old sensation is unable to train due to discomfort in the pubic area.
Several outlets on the continent are claiming Yamal will miss Thursday’s clash at St James’ Park. This would provide a bittersweet moment for Toon fans, whose team’s chances receive a boost at the cost of missing a global superstar in action.
Hansi Flick furious
Speaking before Barcelona’s game with Valencia tonight, Flick slammed Spain’s treatment of Yamal during the two-week break. He told reporters: "Lamine goes to the national team with pain, didn't train, had painkillers to play, they were three goals ahead in every match, and he played 79 and 73 minutes.
"Between the matches he didn't train. This is not taking care of players. Spain have the best team in the world, in every position they are unbelievably good. I am really sad about this.
"I never really spoke with (Luis De la Fuente, Spain manager). Maybe my Spanish is not good, his English is not good, so this is a problem.
"Normally, the communication, because we have more players there than just Lamine, could be better. I was also on this side as a national team coach, so I know how hard this job sometimes is, but the communication with the clubs was always good."
Eddie Howe on Lamine Yamal
Eddie Howe is hoping to face the best Barcelona side possible next week. He said yesterday: “Whenever I get asked about these types of questions, I think my answer is always the same.
“You want to play the best teams, you want to play against the best players, you want to challenge yourselves as much as you can.”
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