Barcelona have been dealt a major blow ahead of their Champions League opener against Newcastle United, with Lamine Yamal ruled out of the clash after an injury he picked up on international duty.
✈️ The squad list for Newcastle! pic.twitter.com/md9rJVqXx7
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 17, 2025
The 18-year-old winger, who has been a major player for the Spanish giants, will not travel with the squad to St. James' Park on Thursday.
The news is a major setback for Barcelona and has left manager Hansi Flick furious with the Spanish FA for their handling of the player.
The absence of the young star is a major blow for Barcelona, who are already without a number of key players due to injury.
The team will be looking to get their Champions League campaign off to a good start, but they will have to do so without one of their most exciting talents.
The specifics of the injury and the club’s fury
Yamal has been ruled out of the Champions League opener with a groin injury.
The injury, which was picked up while on international duty with Spain, has been aggravated and is a major concern for the club.
Flick, the Barcelona boss, was visibly upset with the Spanish FA's handling of the young player.
In a press conference, Flick stated, "Lamine Yamal will not be available. He went with the national team in pain and did not train."
"They gave him painkillers to play. They had at least a three-goal lead in every match, and he played 73 minutes and 79, and between matches he couldn't train."
"That's not looking after the player. I'm very sad about this."
What Yamal's absence means for the game
The absence of Yamal will have a major impact on the game.
The young winger has been in superb form this season, and his creativity and goalscoring ability will be sorely missed.
Yamal's absence will also be a major boost for Newcastle United, who will be hoping to get their Champions League campaign off to a good start.
The young star's absence will also put more pressure on Barcelona's other attacking players, such as Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, who will be expected to step up and perform.
The team will be looking to get a win at St. James' Park, but they will have to do so without one of their most exciting players.
Barcelona news and related links
- What really happened with Lamine Yamal on Spain duty
- Barcelona star crushes transfer speculations by confirming 'intention' after La Liga win
- Hansi Flick shows faith in Barcelona's sidelined star leadership qualities