Barcelona have multiple fitness concerns ahead of facing Newcastle United, with the biggest question mark being Lamine Yamal.
While Newcastle United will almost be at full strength on Thursday night except for injuries to Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey, Hansi Flick has various dilemmas to contend with ahead of his side’s Champions League trip to Tyneside.
It has already been reported that Alejandro Balde and Gavi will miss the Newcastle United game, while the availability of Yamal and Frenkie de Jong remains up in the air.
Now an update on the duo has emerged from Spain, and it is good news and bad news for the La Liga giants.
Lamine Yamal and Frenkie de Jong celebrate together during Inter Milan vs Barcelona.
Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images
Lamine Yamal unlikely to feature against Newcastle United
News emerged on Saturday that Yamal is a doubt to face Newcastle due to a groin problem.
He missed Sunday night’s 6-0 win over Valencia, and it looks like he could miss the game at St James’ Park as well.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Yamal is not expected to feature in Newcastle United vs Barcelona on Thursday night.
They report that it would take a ‘miracle’ for the 18-year-old to be involved, which will likely mean that Raphinha starts on the right wing for Flick’s side.
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He primarily operates on the left, but Yamal’s injury could force Raphinha to swap flanks and allow Marcus Rashford to start.
Frenkie de Jong poised to return for Barcelona
While it is bad news for Barcelona regarding Yamal, there is a more positive update when it comes to De Jong.
Mundo Deportivo report that the Dutch midfielder trained alongside his teammates on Monday, and could be fit enough to return on Thursday.
The 28-year-old suffered a thigh injury while away on international duty, but looks poised to be passed fit for the Champions League encounter.
That makes the midfield battle even more intriguing, as Newcastle United’s elite trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton prepare to go toe-to-toe with one of the best sides in the world.