Barcelona XI vs Newcastle – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·18 September 2025

Barcelona XI vs Newcastle – Predicted lineup and team news

Barcelona begin their European campaign in what promises to be an electrifying Champions League opener against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.

Barcelona arrive on Tyneside as La Liga champions. Having reached the semi-finals last term before falling to Inter Milan, Hansi Flick’s side will be determined to go one step further and return to a Champions League final for the first time in a decade.

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Barcelona XI vs Newcastle – Predicted lineup and team news

Barcelona Team News

Hansi Flick has significant injury worries heading into this fixture. Lamine Yamal, last season’s breakout star, is ruled out after returning from Spain duty with a groin issue.

The 18-year-old missed Barcelona’s 6-0 thrashing of Valencia and won’t feature at St. James’ Park, having not travelled.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains unavailable due to a back operation and will not return until later in the year. Frenkie de Jong expected to be available after a muscular injury while on international duty with the Netherlands. He has returned to group training and could feature.

Gavi continues his recovery from a knee injury with an operation. At the same time, Alejandro Balde remains sidelined with a hamstring problem suffered in training earlier this month.

Hansi Flick might stick to the same team that won 6-0 over the weekend against Valencia with the only exception Raphinha’s return to the starting side. Though Dani Olmo impressed after coming on to the pitch as a substitute on Sunday, Fermin Lopez looks set to keep his place.