Yamal Sidelined for Crucial
Newcastle Clash

Barcelona, 17 Sep (ONA) — Barcelona
winger Lamine Yamal has been officially ruled out of the club’s pivotal UEFA Champions
League opener against Newcastle United tonight due to a groin injury.

The 18-year-old sensation, who also
missed Barcelona’s commanding 6-0 La Liga victory over Valencia on Sunday,
remains sidelined after manager Hansi Flick publicly criticized the significant
playing time Yamal logged with the Spanish national team during the recent
international break.

Yamal featured prominently for
Spain, playing 79 minutes in a 3-0 win against Bulgaria on 4 September and a
further 73 minutes in a 6-0 rout of Turkey just three days later.

The squad for the trip to St. James’
Park is further depleted by the absence of Spanish left-back Alejandro Balde
(hamstring) and midfielder Gavi (knee). In a positive turn, Dutch midfielder
Frenkie de Jong, who also missed the Valencia match following international
duty, has been declared fit and is available for selection.

The defending La Liga champions, who
reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League last season before being
eliminated by Inter Milan, will look to start their European campaign strongly
despite these key absences.

— Ends/Khalid