Spain's forward #19 Lamine Yamal reacts after missing a goal scoring opportunity during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E qualification football match between Turkey and Spain at the Konya Buyuksehir Belediye Stadium, in Konya, on September 7, 2025. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP) (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Spain's forward #19 Lamine Yamal reacts after missing a goal scoring opportunity during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E qualification football match between Turkey and Spain at the Konya Buyuksehir Belediye Stadium, in Konya, on September 7, 2025. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP) (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Barcelona have submitted a 22-man squad list for Thursday’s Champions League clash against Newcastle United.
There is an ongoing feud between Barcelona and the Spain national team after Yamal was given painkillers to feature in his country’s 6-0 World Cup qualifier victory in Turkey.
Since returning from international duty last week, the 18-year-old has been unable to train due to a groin issue and as a result, missed Sunday’s 6-0 win over Valencia in La Liga.
Barcelona official squad list v Newcastle United
Yamal was absent from training on Monday and Tuesday. There is now confirmation that he won’t travel to Tyneside after being left off Barca’s official squad list.
The La Liga giants released their 22-man squad ahead of flying to the North East of England later this morning. Yamal is absent alongside injured trio Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Alejandro Balde and Gavi, though midfielder Frenkie de Jong returns after missing the Valencia match.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe on Lamine Yamal’s absence
Following Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was asked whether he’d prefer Yamal to play or miss the match.
“I think whenever I get asked about these types of questions, I think my answer is always the same,” Howe replied. “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.
“In saying that, we also want to win, so we'll take whoever they play. We know they've got world-class players in all the positions. It's irrelevant to a degree, but obviously I understand the question.”
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick takes aim at Spain national team
Over the weekend, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick already hit out at Spain’s management of Yamal.
“He won't be available,” Flick said on Saturday. “He went off to play for Spain with some pain and did not train. They gave him painkillers so he could play.
“They had at least a three-goal lead in both matches, and he still played 73 and 79 minutes. Between the games, he wasn’t able to train. That’s not looking after the player. I’m very sad about this."
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