Lamine Yamal Champions League absence confirmed as Barcelona winger misses Newcastle trip due to groin injury following Spain duty

Lamine Yamal Champions League absence has been confirmed as the teenage Barcelona star was left out of the squad to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Thursday.

Also read: Skales Martina’s Son Album Thrills Fans with Fresh Sound

The 18-year-old forward is still recovering from a groin problem that saw him miss Sunday’s emphatic 6–0 win over Valencia.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick had previously expressed frustration over Yamal’s workload during the recent international break with Spain.

Yamal played a combined 152 minutes over two European qualifiers in early September — 79 minutes against Bulgaria and 73 against Turkey — which Flick implied contributed to the player’s current condition.

Barcelona will now head into their Champions League group opener without the highly-rated winger, who has become a key figure for both club and country in recent months.

Joining Yamal on the sidelines are Alejandro Balde (hamstring) and Gavi (knee), both also sidelined due to injuries picked up with Spain.

There is, however, positive news for the Catalan side as Frenkie de Jong returns to the squad. The Dutch midfielder sat out the win against Valencia but has recovered in time for the trip to Tyneside.

Also read: Skales Martina’s Son Album Thrills Fans with Fresh Sound

Barcelona, who lifted the La Liga title last season and reached the Champions League semi-finals before falling to Inter Milan, are looking to make a strong start to their European campaign — but will now do so without one of their brightest young talents.