Fútbol Club Barcelona is already focused on its debut in the 2025/26 Champions League. After the resounding 6-0 victory against Valencia at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, Hansi Flick's team has returned to work this Monday at the Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper.
The starters from the match had a recovery session, while the rest completed a more intense training session on the Tito Vilanova field. The big news of the day was the reincorporation of Frenkie de Jong to the group.
The Dutchman, who missed the match against Valencia due to a slight injury in the external obturator of his right leg, has been able to train normally and everything indicates that he will be available for the European debut against Newcastle, this Thursday at 9:00 p.m. at St James' Park.
Lamine, Balde, Gavi and Ter Stegen, the absences of the culé team
The recovery of Frenkie de Jong comes at a delicate moment, as Barcelona will face the continental debut with numerous absences. Lamine Yamal continues to be sidelined due to discomfort in the pubis that already kept him out against Valencia. The participation of Barça's '10' in England is practically ruled out.
Alejandro Balde will also not be available, with an injury to his left biceps femoris, nor will Gavi, who has knee problems and continues under conservative treatment. To these absences is added that of Marc-André ter Stegen, who underwent surgery in July and will not return until the end of the year.
Hansi Flick does not slow down the intensity
The German coach has designed a demanding plan, even after the thrashing against Valencia. The objective is for the team to arrive in the best conditions for the Champions League match, a match that will mark the beginning of the Catalan club's European journey.
“Intensity is not negotiable,” Flick often repeats. Hence, despite the workload of matches, the group maintains compensation sessions and tactical work with a view to St James' Park.
Marc Bernal, another good news
Along with the return of Frenkie de Jong, another positive development is the recovery of Marc Bernal. The youth player from Berga had minutes again against Valencia, 382 days after his last official participation, and is emerging as an option to add to the rotation in midfield.
Newcastle-Barça: a debut of maximum demand
Newcastle, rival in the first match of the group stage, awaits Barça with an atmosphere of maximum intensity at St James' Park. The English team arrives with confidence and will seek to assert their strength as locals.
Fútbol Club Barcelona, for its part, is confident in maintaining the positive dynamic after the spectacular triumph against Valencia (6-0) in the fourth matchday of LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26.
Barça's next challenges
- Newcastle – Barça (Champions League, MD1) | Thursday, September 18, 9:00 p.m.
- LaLiga matches: available in the official Barça calendar
With the reincorporation of Frenkie de Jong, Barça gains balance and experience in the midfield to face a European start of great demand. The road to continental glory begins in England, and the Blaugrana team wants to do it with a firm step.