Barcelona injury, suspension list and return dates vs. Newcastle: Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde latest

Barcelona travel to Newcastle United for the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie aiming to seize early control of the contest. Although the Catalan giants are considered favourites, a number of injury concerns could shape their approach on the night.

After finishing fifth in the league phase to book an automatic place in the knockout stage, Barcelona will be keen to maintain momentum despite several key absences ahead of the trip to St James’ Park.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Barcelona's injury and suspension news ahead of their Champions League clash with Newcastle.

Marc Bernal

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Illness

Possible return date: March 10 (vs. Newcastle)

Marc Bernal was substituted at half time in Saturday's 1-0 La Liga win over Athletic Bilbao due to illness, but he might recover in time for the first leg.

Gavi

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Gavi remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from knee surgery undergone in September 2025. The midfielder has, however, stepped up his rehabilitation in recent weeks and has returned to training, raising hopes that he could be back in action by mid-March.

Frenkie de Jong

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: Late March

Frenkie de Jong will miss this crucial Champions League round-of-16 tie after suffering a distal biceps injury in his right leg during training since late February. The Dutch midfielder is expected to be sidelined for five to six weeks.

Jules Kounde

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: April

Kounde sustained a hamstring injury in his left thigh during Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid. He lasted just 13 minutes before being withdrawn by Hansi Flick and is expected to miss approximately four weeks, including the March international break with France.

Andreas Christensen

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Christensen is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining an ACL injury during a training session in late December. The defender is still recovering, and there is currently no clear timeline for his return.

Alejandro Balde

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Mid-April

Balde suffered a similar hamstring injury in the same Copa del Rey semi-final, lasting 58 minutes on the pitch. He is expected to be sidelined for around a month.