Lamine Yamal and Frenkie de Jong receive differing updates on fitness before Newcastle United clash

Barcelona go into their first Champions League clash on Thursday night in a difficult away clash against Newcastle United at St. James Park, and are likely to be missing their best player. Lamine Yamal returned from Spain duty with back pain, and after Hansi Flick criticised their handling of his fitness, it seems he will miss a second game for the Blaugrana.

The 18-year-old winger spent Sunday night in the stands against Valencia, as Barcelona romped to a 6-0 win over Los Che. He played twice for Luis de la Fuente, and Flick was unhappy with Spain after he continued playing in spite of his back pain, and a significant advantage over their opponents.

Flick had noted that it was unlikely that he would feature against Newcastle on Thursday in their Champions League debut, and Marca say that unless there is a miraculous recovery, he will be absent for the clash. The pain in his back continues, and on Monday Lamine Yamal did recovery work in the gym. He would join Alejandro Balde and Gavi on the sidelines.

However there is more hope over the status of Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder also returned from international duty with muscle issues in the back of his hamstring, but is likely to be back in the squad for the trip to Tyneside. It is not yet clear whether he will be fit to start.

Lamine Yamal’s absence was covered by Roony Bardghji on Sunday night, but it seems much more likely that Raphinha returns to the starting XI after two goals from the bench against Valencia. It gives Marcus Rashford a good chance of starting on the left. Marc Casado partnered Pedri in midfield, and with Gavi out, de Jong will likely be disputing his spot with Casado.