Newcastle United latest news: Eddie Howe’s side take on Barcelona in the first-leg of their Champions League Round of 16 meeting at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.
The former Leeds United winger played just 30 minutes of Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Athletic Club on Saturday night after being introduced to the game on the hour mark by Hansi Flick. Raphinha’s omission from the starting lineup by Flick was to help the winger manage his minutes and workload, with one eye on their trip to Tyneside.
Speaking to reporters about his fitness levels, Raphinha said: “I am not as tired as some of the other players. After all, I am recovering from a minor injury, so I have had time to rest. I feel good.
”It is true that there is some fatigue from the last match because it was a very tough game, and that is normal. The most important thing is that we secured the three points.”
The Brazilian has flown with his teammates to England, with the Barcelona squad spending Sunday night at Matfen Hall in Northumberland. They will train at St James’ Park this evening after conducting pre-match media duties.
Barcelona star travels to Newcastle - hasn’t featured for six months
Barcelona’s squad for their clash against Newcastle United doesn’t feature too many surprises, although the inclusion of Gavi has raised a few eyebrows. The young Spanish international hasn’t featured since August and was a surprising addition to Flick’s travelling squad.
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However, despite travelling to England, Gavi is not expected to feature at St James’ Park on Tuesday night and is also set to miss the return leg in Spain next week. “He will travel with us, he will be training with us, but he isn't ready to play,” Flick said about the midfielder. “Maybe after the next international break. We'll see.”
Barcelona will be without Frenkie De Jong, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde for Tuesday night’s game. They will, though, have Lamine Yamal in their squad after he missed September’s league phase match on Tyneside with pubalgia.
Barcelona squad v Newcastle United in full: Joao Cancelo, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, Gavi, Ferran Torres, Pedri, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Joan Garcia,Marcus Rashford, Fermín Lopez, Marc Casadó, Gerard Martin, Roony Bardghji, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal, Eric Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny, Diego Kochen, Alvaro Cortés, Xavi Espart and Tommy Marques.
Newcastle United injury news v Barcelona
Newcastle United, meanwhile, will be without a number of key players on Tuesday night, including their captain Bruno Guimaraes. Guimaraes will miss both legs of their tie with Barcelona and is not expected back in action until after the next international break.
Fabian Schar will also miss out through injury, with Emil Krafth unable to play due to injury which caused him to be removed from the club’s ‘List A’ squad for the knockout rounds.
Howe, though, will be able to welcome back Jacob Ramsey to the starting XI after he missed their defeat to Manchester City at the weekend through suspension. Tino Livramento will also be available to Howe after he returned to action at the weekend following two months on the sidelines.
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