Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Champions League, Barcelona, Newcastle United, Football
Marcus Chan
Topics: Champions League, Barcelona, Newcastle United, Football
Barcelona have been hit with a huge blow ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash against Newcastle United.
On Sunday night, Hansi Flick's men produced a wonderful display as they battered Valencia 6-0 at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.
Fermin Lopez, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski all scored twice as Barcelona closed the gap to Real Madrid to just two points.
Looking ahead, Barcelona will be back in action on Thursday night when they take on Newcastle in the Champions League.
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However, they have been handed a major blow before their quest to become kings of Europe gets underway later this week.
According to Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, Lamine Yamal is set to be ruled out of the match against Newcastle.
It is believed that Yamal is being treated after feeling discomfort in his pubic area and barring a miracle, will have to sit out Thursday night's big match.
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However, there are some good news for Barcelona after a successful appeal means that manager Flick will be in the dugout against Newcastle.
The German was originally banned for one match by UEFA for his behaviour during Barcelona's semi-final defeat against Inter Milan.
It has since been confirmed that the ban is now suspended for a period of one year.
As per Tribal Football, a statement from UEFA read: "Said suspension is suspended during a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision."
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In addition, midfielder Frenkie de Jong could also return against Newcastle after recovering from his latest injury.
After missing the weekend's match against Valencia, De Jong is said to have returned to training on Monday ahead of Thursday's Champions League opener.
Speaking ahead of the match, Magpies boss Eddie Howe was asked about Yamal potentially missing the clash.
He replied: "Whenever I get asked about these types of questions, I think my answer is always the same.
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"You want to play the best teams, you want to play against the best players, you want to challenge yourselves as much as you can."