Barcelona will be without Lamine Yamal for their Champions League opener against Newcastle United, unless the teenager makes what the Spanish press are calling a “miraculous recovery” in the next few hours.
According to [**Marca**](https://www.marca.com/futbol/barcelona/2025/09/15/lamine-yamal-llega-newcastle.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1757946442-1), the 18-year-old forward did not train with the group on Monday, limiting himself to gym recovery work. His pubis problem has not gone away, and coach Hansi Flick has already accepted he cannot count on him for such a decisive fixture.
The absence continues the difficult spell that began during the recent international break, when Yamal picked up the issue while with Spain.
He already missed the weekend clash against Valencia, and Flick’s comments about the Spanish national team provoked plenty of debate. Now, with the youngster still in pain, Barcelona will have to cope without him for a second straight game.
Flick will regain Frenkie de Jong, but Alejandro Balde, Gavi and now Yamal are all unavailable. The big question is who will take the right wing role.
Bardghji was given a start on Sunday but failed to impress, so Raphinha is expected to fill the role after producing two goals when moved there against Valencia. On the opposite side, Marcus Rashford is set to continue his recovery of form, and his Premier League experience could be a boost against Newcastle.
Yamal was a decisive player in last season’s Champions League, featuring in every match but one and scoring five goals. Newcastle, meanwhile, may feel fortunate not to have to face him on such an important night, given the danger he is showing all around the continent.