Yamal ruled out of Barcelona's Champions League opener against Newcastle

Barcelona have confirmed that Lamine Yamal will miss the opening game of their 2025-26 Champions League campaign against Newcastle United on Thursday. 

Yamal was absent from Barcelona's 6-0 thrashing of Valencia in LaLiga at the weekend after sustaining a groin injury while on international duty with Spain. 

The 18-year-old has started the season in sensational form, registering four goal contributions (two goals, two assists) in three games in LaLiga. 

Yamal also played a crucial role in helping Hansi Flick's side reach the semi-finals of the Champions League last season, netting five times as well as providing three assists. 

He also completed more dribbles (56) than any other player in the competition in 2024-25, 17 more than AC Milan's Rafael Leao, who was second in that metric. 

Yamal will now have to wait to reach another milestone in his career, with his next outing for Barcelona in the Champions League seeing him become the player with the most appearances in the competition while aged 18 or younger (currently 23). 

The club have confirmed that the winger will remain in Spain and work on his fitness ahead of Barca's league match against Getafe, while the rest of the team travel to England. 

Elsewhere, Frenkie de Jong has been included in Flick's matchday squad after he recovered from a groin problem of his own.

Alejandro Balde and Gavi, however, are absent for Barcelona at St. James Park as they are sidelined with hamstring and knee injuries, respectively.

Barcelona will be hoping to start their European campaign with a win, with a clash against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain to come after facing Newcastle. 

This will be the fifth competitive meeting between Newcastle and Barcelona, with the Magpies winning the first clash 3-2 in September 1997, before losing each of their next three against their Spanish opponents.