Key Barcelona player would need a miracle to recover in time for the Newcastle game | OneFootball

FC Barcelona returned to their scintillating best against Valencia at the Estadi Johan Cruyff last night, securing a 6-0 win in La Liga. Hansi Flick’s much-rotated XI did the job emphatically.

This result could prove to be a huge confidence boost to the Spanish side ahead of their trip to St James’ Park later this week to take on Newcastle United in the Champions League season opener. It is unlikely to be a straightforward game against the Magpies.

Ahead of the game, Barcelona received a massive boost when it emerged that Frenkie de Jong had returned to group training on Monday, and, should he progress as expected, he is likely to get the green light for the Newcastle game.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are unlikely to enjoy a similar fortune with Lamine Yamal. The Spanish teenager would need a miracle to recover in time for the game in England and is effectively ruled out.

Flick was fuming ahead of the Valencia game about the way Spain handled Lamine’s issue, forcing him to play both games despite the attacker not being 100 per cent. This seems to have aggravated the issue, and now Barcelona cannot count on him in some of their most important fixtures.

Lamine is fundamental to the way Hansi Flick’s team plays, and it would be a shame if he were to miss the trip to Tyneside. Barcelona do not have a natural replacement who can replicate the same kind of threat.

Although Barcelona would be hoping for a miracle to have Lamine at their disposal on Thursday, should he miss out, vice-captain Raphinha is likely to start on the right wing with Marcus Rashford on the left. The next few days should provide a clearer picture of the 18-year-old’s availability, and let us see how the cookie crumbles.