Newcastle United are set to welcome Lamine Yamal to St James’ Park but Gavi remains a slight doubt for Tuesday night’s huge clash against Barcelona.
Tuesday marks the second time that the Catalan giants will visit St James’ Park in the Champions League this season following their league phase victory back in September.
A Marcus Rashford brace condemned Newcastle United to defeat back then but Eddie Howe’s side now have a chance to put that right in their first-ever round of 16 clash in this competition.
Hansi Flick’s side, however, are even stronger since Barcelona’s last win over Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Indeed, a certain Lamine Yamal will be available.
Gavi a doubt as Barcelona squad for Newcastle clash confirmed
Yamal missed Newcastle vs Barcelona in September because of a groin injury.
Having recovered, the winger is in the squad for Tuesday’s game alongside the likes of Pedri, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.
Gavi is in the squad but, as confirmed by Barcelona’s official website, the midfielder is yet to be passed fit by the club’s medical team.
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Part of their statement read: “He [Gavi] is yet to be passed fit by the medical team.”
Frenkie De Jong, who played so well in the last meeting between these two sides, misses out through injury.
Barcelona squad to play Newcastle United in full
Goalkeepers: Garcia, Szczesny, Kochen
Defenders: Cancelo, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin, Eric Garcia, Cortes, Xavi Espart
Midfielders: Gavi, Pedri, Fermin, Casado, Olmo, Bernal, Tommy
Forwards: Ferran, Lewandowski, Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford, Roony
Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring for Barcelona against Athletic Club.
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Newcastle United handed major injury boost before playing Barcelona
The biggest news is that Tino Livramento has recovered from injury for Newcastle United.
The defender made a brief cameo during Newcastle’s defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday night and having him back in the side is a major boost for Howe.
Kieran Trippier may start given his experience and the fact that Livramento is only making his latest return in what has been an injury-hit campaign.
However, having a defender as good as Livramento available for two games that will decide Newcastle’s season is a welcome relief.
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