By Oli Gent

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Newcastle will be missing two of their summer signings when they take on Barcelona in their first game back in the Champions League on Thursday.

Europe’s top competition returns to St James’ Park after one season away, and Hansi Flick’s five-time winners are in town to try and spoil the party.

Eddie Howe’s side will be without Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey for this one, with the former injured on international duty with DR Congo, and still yet to make his debut following his £55million move from Brentford.

Ramsey, signed for £40m from Aston Villa, was injured in the 0-0 draw with Leeds, and will be sidelined for a number of weeks with an ankle issue.

Anthony Gordon missed the most recent game against Wolves – a 1-0 victory – through suspension, but he is in contention to return to the side here with his ban only counting for Premier League matches.

As for Barca, Lamine Yamal is their biggest injury concern after the Spanish winger missed the 6-0 win over Valencia with a groin issue that he sustained on international duty with Spain.

Frenkie de Jong is also a doubt, while Alejandro Balde and Gavi are definite misses along with Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Predicted Newcastle XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Livramento; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon

Injured: Wissa, Ramsey

Predicted Barcelona XI (4-3-3): Garcia; Kounde, Araujo, Curbasi, Martin; Pedri, Casado; Raphinha, Fermin, Rashford; Lewandowski

Doubts: Yamal, de Jong

Injured: Balde, ter Stegen, Gavi

Time and date: 8pm BST on Thursday September 18, 2025

Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle

How to watch: TNT Sports