Barcelona travels to face Newcastle United in their Champions League opener on Thursday, and the latest team news confirms the mixed outcome of the Lamine Yamal injury Frenkie de Jong return situation. The Catalan giants will be without their star winger, but have been boosted by the midfielder’s return to the squad.
The club officially announced its squad list for the trip to St. James’s Park, with Yamal a glaring omission due to the pubic bone injury he sustained while on international duty. Manager Hansi Flick had previously blasted the Spanish national team for their handling of the teenager, accusing them of giving him painkillers to play through the pain.
Recent reports from Spain suggest Yamal received an injection to numb the pain and has effectively been ruled out for the remainder of September. The club is reportedly hoping the 18-year-old will be back for the major clash against Paris Saint-Germain on October 1. In his absence, Raphinha is expected to shift to the right wing, with Marcus Rashford entering the lineup.
The good news for Barca is the return of Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder missed the weekend’s victory over Valencia with gluteal discomfort picked up with the Netherlands but appears fit enough to contribute against the Magpies on Thursday.