Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Newcastle United for the UEFA Champions League tie at St. James’ Park on Thursday.
Barcelona will aim to kick-start the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign on a high when they lock horns with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Thursday night. Hansi Flick has no new injury concerns to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
However, there is some positive news, as Frenkie de Jong is fit and available. Hansi Flick has included the Dutch midfielder in the travelling squad to take on Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League tie at St. James’ Park.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal remain on the sidelines, and the quartet will be unavailable for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick did not provide fitness updates on any player. However, the German tactician discussed Raphinha and Marcus Rashford.
The Barcelona manager said, “I want to talk about the players who can play. He can’t play tomorrow and we’ll see on Sunday. We have a good staff and there are people for the position. I don’t think we have to put pressure on deadlines. We have a fantastic medical staff. Let’s see how he evolves. If he comes back it’s to be one hundred percent. He’s a young player and we have to take care of him.”
“Raphinha is one of our key players. He provides dynamism. The pressure begins and it’s a very good thing to see. Against Valencia, he entered the second half and was fantastic. Rashford is on the team. If someone can’t play, he can come in. I hope he can show in England what he did on Sunday.”
Joan Garcia is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Newcastle United on Thursday. The backline should feature Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Pau Cubarsi, and Gerard Martin.
As for the midfield unit, Marc Casado and Pedri should pair up in the double pivot in the middle of the park, with Frenkie de Jong being a backup option on the bench. Fermin Lopez will reprise the no. 10 role, with Marcus Rashford and Raphinha being the two wide attackers. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the away side against Newcastle United on Thursday.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Lewandowski, Cubarsi, Martin; Casado, Pedri; Raphinha, Fermin, Rashford; Lewandowski