Newcastle United team news v Barcelona: Anthony Gordon is out of Newcastle’s starting line-up once again.
Newcastle United have named William Osula ahead of Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and Champions League second top scorer Anthony Gordon as starting striker against Barcelona.
After his stunning winner against Manchester United, Osula started Newcastle’s 3-1 FA Cup last-16 defeat against Manchester City on Saturday.
And despite a disappointing display at St James’ Park, the 22-year-old keeps his place to start the match head coach Eddie Howe described as ‘the biggest’ in Newcastle’s history.
Jacob Ramsey returns after suspension to come straight into the starting line-up while Joelinton and Dan Burn are back in the starting line-up after being on the bench against City.
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Newcastle United explain why Anthony Gordon hasn’t started v Barcelona
Gordon has been in fine form in the Champions League this season with his 10 goals only bettered by Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe.
The forward scored a late consolation in September’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in their opening Champions League game.
And explaining Gordon’s omission from the starting line-up, the club explained: “Anthony Gordon - the second-top scorer in this season's UEFA Champions League - is only fit enough for a place among the substitutes as Newcastle United take on Barcelona at St. James' Park.
“The 10-goal forward has been unwell in recent days, so William Osula will lead the line against the La Liga leaders.”
Ahead of the match, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe confirmed to The Gazette that there were no fresh concerns for the match despite illness running through the camp.
Newcastle United 21-man matchday squad to face Barcelona
Goalkeepers: Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale, John Ruddy
Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Malick Thiaw, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Alex Murphy
Midfielders: Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Jacob Ramsey
Forwards: Yoane Wissa, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, William Osula, Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade
NUFC confirmed line-up
Newcastle United line-up v Barcelona: Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Ramsey, Joelinton; Elanga, Barnes, Osula
Subs: Pope, Ruddy, Harris, Botman, Wissa, Gordon, Livramento, J.Murphy, Woltemade, Willock, A.Murphy, Neave
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