Hansi Flick maintains two doubts in the Newcastle-Barça lineup

Hansi Flick is preparing at least two changes in his lineup against Newcastle compared to Sunday's thrashing against Valencia (6-0). FC Barcelona debuts in the Champions League this Thursday with Frenkie de Jong back, but doubts about the physical condition of Lamine Yamal and the confirmed absences of Gavi and Alejandro Balde, both injured.

The '10' continues on the sidelines and everything seems to indicate that he will not even travel to Newcastle with the squad. This is thinking about continuing his recovery process for the injury in the pubis. Gavi, on the other hand, continues to have discomfort in his right knee, while Balde still has at least one more week of rest due to an injury in his left biceps femoris.

Frenkie de Jong will only start if he is 100% physically fit

Frenkie de Jong in the match between FC Barcelona and Vissel Kobe in the Asian preseason 25/26

Who will be available on Thursday is Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman returned to training on Monday and trained normally before the trip to England. If Flick considers that the '21' is 100% physically fit, it is very likely that the Arkel native will return as a midfielder, accompanying Pedri González.

De Jong missed the match against Levante (paternity leave) and was also out against Valencia due to a minor injury in his right leg, near the gluteus. Marc Casadó replaced him in both matches and, if the coaching staff believes that the Dutchman's starting position would be an unnecessary risk, the '17' will once again occupy the position of defensive pivot.

Marc Bernal is also ready to add minutes, after his notable return against Valencia. Although he was only on the field for ten minutes, the Berga native gave himself the luxury of assisting Robert Lewandowski to close Barça's thrashing.

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Robert Lewandowski must return to the starting lineup against Newcastle

Robert Lewandowski celebrates his double against Valencia

The other adjustment in Flick's XI for the Newcastle-Barça match points to the offensive trident. Raphinha, for sure, will start in place of Roony Bardghji, while Marcus Rashford should also continue in the XI if Lamine Yamal's absence is confirmed.

The Brazilian, a substitute for 'punishment' (he arrived late to a session) against Valencia, scored a double and arrives fired up in England, while the Englishman gave a remarkable assist to Rafa himself on Sunday. In addition, both know St. James Park very well after their time at Leeds and United, respectively.

However, the doubt in attack for the Barcelona coach has to do with the '9'. Ferran Torres started in the first four league games, but Robert Lewandowski showed against Valencia that he is fully recovered from his muscle problems.

The Pole scored two goals in the just over 20 minutes he was on the field and, in addition, he came from scoring with his national team in the break. The 'Shark' gave an assist on Sunday and is also at a very high level, but 'Lewy's' hierarchy keeps him, for now, as the first option when it comes to center forwards.

Eric García would remain in the XI, above Ronald Araujo

The other possible surprise in Barcelona's lineup against Newcastle points to another absence for Ronald Araujo. The 'charrúa' was coming from a long trip from Uruguay and did not even play against Valencia on Sunday. However, Eric García's good form could leave the culé captain on the bench again.

Eric has started in the four league games played so far, in the first two as a right back. The Martorell native has earned Hansi Flick's trust and, together with Pau Cubarsí, he looked very comfortable on Sunday at the Johan Cruyff. Therefore, it is likely that he will keep his place in England.

On the flanks, Jules Koundé and Gerard Martín should keep their place, the latter taking advantage of Alejandro Balde's injury. The '18', yes, came out somewhat cramped in the 74th minute against Valencia, but without any muscular setback.

Barcelona's probable XI against Newcastle:

• Joan García; Jules Koundé, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski.

Possible absences for Barça against Newcastle:

1. Lamine Yamal
2. Alejandro Balde
3. Gavi
4. Ter Stegen