Barcelona leaves out Lamine Yamal for Champions League clash vs Newcastle, calls up 15-year-old wonderkid

For Barcelona, starting the Champions League with a positive result in Newcastle is essential. Flick has made it clear that consistency, not just talent, will define this campaign.

Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona, has released his 22-man squad list ahead of Wednesday’s trip to England, where the Catalan side will make their Champions League debut against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. The biggest headline is the absence of Lamine Yamal, who continues to struggle with pubic discomfort, and the return of Frenkie de Jong, now fully fit after missing the Valencia clash.

The Dutch midfielder suffered a setback during his first international match with the Netherlands earlier this month but has recovered and is expected to start against the Magpies. For Flick, having De Jong back in midfield is a major boost as Barça looks to start strong in a group stage that will be more competitive than ever.

Barcelona’s traveling party departed at 11 AM CET from Josep Tarradellas Airport. Upon landing in Newcastle, the squad settled at the Melià Newcastle Hotel, where they will remain until kickoff. Later in the evening, Andreas Christensen and Flick are scheduled to speak at the pre-match press conference, followed by the team’s training session at St. James’ Park at 7:00 PM.

Newcastle United will also follow their routine, with Eddie Howe and star midfielder Bruno Guimarães addressing the media earlier in the day before their own training session at the iconic stadium.

A joint journey with La Masia’s next generation

For years, Barcelona has maintained the tradition of having both the senior team and the U-19 squad travel together for Champions League and Youth League fixtures. UEFA’s scheduling allows the youth team to face the same opponents just hours before the senior match.

This time, 23 first-team players under Flick and 20 youth players under coach Pol Planas boarded the same charter flight to Newcastle. The U-19s will face their own challenge against Newcastle’s academy side in the Youth League earlier in the day, setting the stage for a double-header of Barça vs. Magpies action.

One of the names creating excitement in La Masia is Ebrima, a young midfielder who symbolizes the academy’s global reach. His family story is inspiring: his father moved from Gambia to Spain in 2007, settling in Cerdanyola (Mataró). Ebrima joined him in 2017 at the age of seven, leaving behind his early childhood in Africa to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

Now regarded as one of Barcelona’s brightest academy prospects, Ebrima’s journey reflects the cultural and social diversity that continues to shape the club’s youth system. While still only a teenager, his progress is being closely watched by the coaching staff and fans alike, with many tipping him to follow in the footsteps of La Masia legends.