Newcastle boss laments Barcelona gem’s absence for CL clash – ‘It’s a shame he can’t play’ | OneFootball

The road to Budapest begins tomorrow for FC Barcelona as they take on Newcastle United in their first league phase game of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League.

The Blaugrana have travelled to England without some key players, including Lamine Yamal, who has not recovered from his pubic discomfort yet.

And, speaking to the media ahead of the game, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe admitted that not getting to see the teenage prodigy tomorrow will be disappointing for him.

“It’s a shame he can’t play. I’m disappointed not to be able to see a player of that level, but Barça has talented players on the wings, international players. We have to be strong, control the wings, and fight the battle,” Howe said.

Howe refused to single out any Barça player in particular as a danger, saying: “They’re all very good.”

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle face Barcelona on Thursday. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Talking about Barcelona under Hansi Flick and how they operate, the Newcastle United manager remarked:

“They’re a very technical team with the ball, with a lot of speed on the wings. They started the season very well, and we have to defend very well.”

On what the Magpies will need to do to come out on top, he added: “Without the ball, we have to be very good, and we’re going to need that.”

“We can draw on past experiences, but we have to make sure we can prepare the players and see if we’re at their level,” Howe further noted.

Regarding the occasion – a Champions League home game against Barcelona – Howe said:

“It’s historic; the game will have a magical feel. The atmosphere will be exciting, similar to the PSG game two years ago; we can draw lessons from that game.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo