Official: 5 miss out as Barcelona announce squad to face Newcastle

Barcelona have confirmed the 22-man travelling party that will confront Newcastle United in Tuesday night’s Champions League Last-16 first leg at St James’ Park, with five senior names forced to remain in Catalunya.

Head coach Hansi Flick released the list on Sunday, 48 hours before the Blaugrana restart their European campaign. Despite still awaiting full medical clearance, midfield prodigy Gavi has been included in the squad, while 17-year-old Marc Bernal—who limped off during Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Athletic Club—has also been passed fit enough to make the journey to Tyneside.

In contrast, defenders Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé, together with midfielder Frenkie de Jong, will stay behind to continue rehabilitation from their respective injuries. Their absences leave Flick with a reshaped defensive unit for the opening instalment of the tie.

Barca secured direct passage into the knockout phase by finishing inside the Champions League’s top-eight league standings, avoiding the playoff round and setting up the Anglo-Spanish showdown with Eddie Howe’s Newcastle.

The club’s official channels published the full roster on Sunday evening, bringing clarity to team selection two days ahead of the crunch encounter in the North-East.

Barcelona squad to face Newcastle: Goalkeepers – Iñaki Peña, Diego Kochen, Ander Astralaga Defenders – Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Héctor Fort, Gerard Martín, Alex Valle, Sergi Domínguez Midfielders – Pedri, Gavi, Marc Bernal, Fermín López, Eric García, Casadó, Unai Hernández Forwards – Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Vitor Roque

Kick-off at St James’ Park is scheduled for 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, with the return leg in Barcelona pencilled in for 12 March.