Newcastle United host Barcelona at St. James’ Park this evening (21:00 CEST) in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16, with the return leg at Camp Nou next Wednesday. Both sides are without a number of players through injury.
Hansi Flick will be without Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, significantly reducing his options at the back. Barcelona called up youngsters Xavi Espart (right-back), Alvaro Cortes (defender) and Tommy Marques (midfielder) to cover for the absences. Meanwhile Eddie Howe is also missing Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar. Six players are at risk of suspension with a booking, notably Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Marc Casado and Gerard Martin for Barcelona, while Newcastle stars Joelinton and Dan Burn are also walking a tightrope.
🚨 Robert Lewandowski: “My future? I don’t know, because I have to feel it. For now I can’t say anything about what I’ll decide, because I’m not even 50% sure which way I want to take.” [@TheAthleticFC] pic.twitter.com/JoIWh1Mdfx
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 10, 2026
Hansi Flick debate up front and at the back
The prediction from both MD and Sport is that Robert Lewandowski will return to the starting XI ahead of Ferran Torres, but there is some disagreement over the defence. The former feel that Flick will repeat the back four that played in Bilbao (1-0 win over Athletic Club), but Sport believe that Ronald Araujo will come in for Joao Cancelo.
#NUFC host #FCBarcelona tonight in the #ChampionsLeague, with both sides suffering from injuries. Eddie Howe is without Bruno Guimaraes and Miley, while Kounde, de Jong and Balde are all out for Flick.
MD believe it will Lewandowski up front for Barca, and Eric at right-back. pic.twitter.com/alIJQPVU74
— Football España (@footballespana_) March 10, 2026
It seems certain Eric Garcia will remain at right-back, but Sport believe the Uruguayan’s presence could move Gerard Martin out to left-back, a more defensive decision. Flick confirmed Marc Bernal had recovered from illness, and it seems he will start with Pedri and Fermin Lopez in midfield.
Pace to burn for Newcastle United
There appears to be less doubt for Howe in his XI. He is expected to send out a pacey forward line of Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes. Jacob Ramsey will partner Sandro Tonali in midfield with Guimaraes out, and a familiar opponent in Kieran Trippier will be tasked with keeping Raphinha quiet.
