Barcelona lineup vs. Newcastle: Predicted XI for Champions League opener

Barcelona will be without teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for Thursday’s Champions League opener against Newcastle United at St James' Park.

The 18-year-old winger sustained a groin injury on international duty with Spain and it has now been confirmed that he will not been included in Hansi Flick's travelling squad.

Yamal is joined in the treatment room by Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back), Gavi (knee) and Alejandro Balde (hamstring), but Frenkie de Jong (muscle) has been included in Flick's squad and the midfield matesto will be assessed ahead of kickoff.

All five players missed Barca’s thumping 6-0 La Liga win over Valencia on Sunday, but Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha scored twice each off the substitutes’ bench and they are expected to return to the first XI against Newcastle.

Both attackers could be joined in the front three by either Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford - who is yet to score a competitive goal for Barca - or fellow new recruit Roony Bardghji who was handed his full debut last weekend.

Dani Olmo may have a tough time displacing Fermin Lopez - who also scored a brace last weekend - in the number 10 role, while Marc Casado will hope to retain his spot in centre-midfield alongside Pedri, should De Jong not be ready to start.

In defence, Flick may be tempted to hand Ronald Araujo start, but he is likely to stick with the centre-back pairing of Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi, while Jules Kounde and Gerard Martin continue as full-backs and Joan Garcia starts in goal.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: J. Garcia; Kounde, E. Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin; Casado, Pedri; Raphinha, Fermin, Rashford; Lewandowski

> Click here to see how Newcastle United could line up for this contest