Newcastle United could face Barcelona without Lamine Yamal on Thursday, but that does not matter.
The La Liga giants head to St James’ Park for a mammoth Champions League encounter, with Lamine Yamal a doubt due to injury.
The 18-year-old superstar could be absent against Newcastle United, but Hansi Flick still has plenty of options that can hurt Eddie Howe’s side.
He proved that on Sunday, as Barcelona warmed up for their trip to Tyneside with a 6-0 win over Valencia. The La Liga giants were relentless, building up plenty of confidence ahead of Thursday night’s Champions League clash.
Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring for Barcelona against Valencia in La Liga.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Barcelona told they have nothing to fear against Newcastle United despite Lamine Yamal uncertainty
While Yamal could be unavailable, former Barcelona attacker Luis Garcia believes they should have nothing to fear after battering Valencia.
Barca showcased their depth on Sunday night, which is why Garcia has told the ESPN FC YouTube channel that they should be feeling very confident ahead of facing Newcastle United.
“We don’t know if Lamine Yamal is going to be ready to be at that game, which is important because those kind of games you want the best players on the field,” he said.
“Definitely having this total, overall performance gives you so much confidence. Newcastle is not going to be an easy game. The crowd and the atmosphere they create and the way they are playing at the moment is so important and strong.
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“But this Barcelona side is ready for everything. You rotate players, you change players and the system continues working. The intensity continues there. With these kind of messages that Hansi Flick is implementing into the team, everyone who is involved is going to be 120%, so I think Barcelona is ready again to challenge for the Champions League.”
Who could start for Barcelona against Newcastle United instead of Lamine Yamal?
Yamal normally starts on the right of attack for Barcelona. In his absence on Sunday night, Flick turned to summer signing Roony Bardghji.
It was a promising debut from the teenager, who will hope to retain his place in the side at St James’ Park.
Bardghji was replaced at half-time by Raphinha, who primarily plays on the left. But he was deployed on the right, scoring two goals off the bench to help his side record a resounding victory.
The Brazil international appears most likely to start on the right of attack if Yamal is ruled out against Newcastle. That would allow Marcus Rashford to continue on the left.
Barca really did showcase their depth on Sunday night. Robert Lewandowski came off the bench to score twice, while Yamal was not the only superstar who sat the game out. Frenkie de Jong, Alejandro Balde and Gavi were all absent, but Barcelona did not struggle without them.
A warning has been sent to Newcastle, who made a statement of their own by recording their first victory of the season over Wolves. Nick Woltemade scored on his debut and will be full of confidence ahead of facing Barcelona.