Newcastle United news: Barcelona have had a major injury scare ahead of their Champions League clash with Newcastle United.
Barcelona are expected to be without Jules Kounde for both legs of their Champions League Round of 16 clash with Newcastle United.
The Magpies and Barca have already squared-off against each other this season, with the La Liga giants triumphing in the first game of the league phase of this year’s Champions League back in September. Two goals from Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford was enough for Barcelona on that day, despite a late reply from Anthony Gordon.
Since that day, though, Eddie Howe’s side have gone unbeaten at home in Europe, winning all four of their matches at St James’ Park, whilst also keeping three clean sheets in the process. Their record in Europe means that they will head into their last-16 tie full of confidence that they will be able to overcome Barcelona over two legs.
And their hopes of doing just that have been boosted by the possible absence of Jules Kounde from the Barcelona squad. Kounde had a brilliant game at St James’ Park back in September and was one of the key reasons why Barca were able to repel the attacking threats of their hosts and ultimately come out on top.
However, the Frenchman suffered an injury during Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey. Kounde lasted just 13 minutes of that game before being withdrawn by Hansi Flick.
Barcelona would ultimately lose 4-3 on aggregate to Diego Simeone’s side and were dealt a further blow when the extent of Kounde’s injury issues were made public. Taking to X Fabrizio Romano revealed that Kounde was facing a couple of weeks on the sidelines: ‘Jules Koundé has an injury to the middle third of the biceps femoris in his left thigh. His recovery will determine his availability but it will take weeks, Barcelona confirm.’
Barcelona, though, should have Lamine Yamal available to them when they make the trip to Tyneside on Tuesday. Yamal missed the match in September due to injury, with pubalgia listed as the reason for his absence on that night.
Newcastle United injury news v Barcelona
The Magpies will certainly be without their captain Bruno Guimaraes for the visit of Barcelona on Tuesday night. The Brazilian has a muscle injury he picked up against Tottenham Hotspur in February and is currently away in Brazil recovering from that issue.
Speaking ahead of their league phase match in September, Guimaraes spoke of his excitement at taking on the Spanish giants: “I'm very excited, I've never faced Barcelona before. It's one of the teams that I watched when I was young and the player that made me feel in love with football was Ronaldinho.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
“So I always watched Barcelona play. And after Iniesta, Xavi, Messi, and now to see another Brazilian shine there again, Raphinha.
“So I think we're very excited. I can't wait to get tomorrow and play this game.”
Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth will also miss out through injury on Tuesday night. Lewis Miley is slowly coming back to full fitness and will be targeting a return to action in the second leg away in Spain.