Barcelona will be without Lamine Yamal for their UEFA Champions League opener against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Thursday, Afrosport reports.
The 18-year-old was not among their 22-man travelling squad to England, as he continues to recover from a “pubic” problem.
Yamal also missed Sunday’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Valencia, after manager Hansi Flick had voiced frustration over the winger’s usage by Spain during the recent international break.
He featured for 79 minutes in Spain’s 3-0 win over Bulgaria on 4 September and played a further 73 minutes in their 6-0 triumph against Turkey three days later.
The La Masia graduate has started the season in blistering form, with two goals and two assists in his opening three games for Barcelona.
✈️ The squad list for Newcastle! pic.twitter.com/md9rJVqXx7
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 17, 2025
His absence continues Barcelona’s injury concerns, with Spain duo Alejandro Balde (hamstring) and Gavi (knee) also unavailable. However, Frenkie de Jong, who sat out the Valencia fixture following international duty with the Netherlands, has been declared fit for the trip to Tyneside.
The reigning Spanish champions reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season before bowing out to Inter Milan. They will be looking to begin the new campaign strongly despite their injury setbacks.
