NEWCASTLE return to the Champions League with a blockbuster clash against Barcelona TONIGHT.
The Toon secured their entry into Europe’s elite competition by finishing 5th in the Premier League last term.
AlamyNick Woltemade bagged a goal on his Newcastle debut against Wolves last time out[/caption]
APBarcelona’s Lamine Yamal will not feature tonight[/caption]
Newcastle were last in the Champions League during the 2023/24 season, but failed to progress beyond the group stage.
This time around, the North East outfit will get their first taste of the new league phase as they look to make it to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
The Magpies will be hoping to get their Champions League campaign off to a winning start as they welcome Spanish champions Barcelona to St James’ Park.
And Eddie Howe has received a major boost ahead of kick-off with Barca’s key man ruled out of the fixture.
Why is Lamine Yamal not playing for Barcelona vs Newcastle?
Ballon d’Or contender Lamine Yamal will NOT feature for Barcelona in their Champions League opener away at Newcastle.
The 18-year-old wonderkid missed his side’s 6-0 win against Valencia on Sunday with a groin issue, which also keeps him out tonight.
Yamal has not trained with Barcelona since returning from international duty with Spain, where he played the majority of his country’s wins over Bulgaria and Turkey.
Barca boss Hansi Flick later criticised the amount of time Yamal played during the international break.
Speaking before the Valencia match, the German said: “Lamine will not be available [against Valencia] – it’s a pity. He played with the national team despite pain.
“He had problems, played 79 and 73 minutes, and didn’t even train between matches because of this pain. That is not really taking care of the players, is it? It is not.
“Spain, they have the best team in the world, best players in the world. In every position they are unbelievably good.
“So, maybe they will also want to take care of our players, our young players, but it’s like they are doing this [to them]. This is what I can say and I’m really sad about this.”
Yamal has five goal contributions in just three LaLiga appearances for Barcelona this season and will be a huge miss for Flick this evening.
How to watch Newcastle vs Barcelona
Newcastle vs Barcelona will take place on Thursday, September 18.
Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
TNT Sports customers can live stream the Champions League clash via the discovery+ app/website.
Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
