FC Barcelona will begin their UEFA Champions League campaign this season with a difficult trip to face Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on September 18. While La Blaugrana have their own fitness concerns, their English opponents are also dealing with significant setbacks just days before the game.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Newcastle will be without one of their star summer signings, Jacob Ramsey. The 24-year-old midfielder, who joined from Aston Villa, suffered an ankle injury in a match against Leeds United. Manager Eddie Howe confirmed that the player will be sidelined until at least after the upcoming international break.
“His ankle swelled up, and we had to take him off. He’ll be out until after the next international break, so it’s a tough blow,” said Howe.
Adding to Newcastle’s problems, another major summer arrival, Yoane Wissa, is also set to miss the clash against Barcelona. The 29-year-old forward, signed from Brentford to bolster the attack, picked up a knee injury while on international duty with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Wissa is now set to be sidelined for five weeks.
On the positive side for Newcastle, Joelinton has returned to full fitness, giving Howe a boost in attack.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are monitoring the recoveries of several important players. Lamine Yamal has been ruled out of the clash against Newcastle, Frenkie de Jong remains in rehabilitation, while Gavi’s condition will be reassessed in the coming days. Alejandro Balde also continues to be sidelined, leaving Hansi Flick with plenty of challenges to solve ahead of the trip to England.
