Newcastle United will host Barcelona when the Champions League returns later this month.

It is a huge game for Newcastle United and one that evokes fantastic memories in the Champions League.

Though the Magpies have lost three of their four meetings against the Catalan giants, Newcastle famously beat Barcelona 3-2 in September 1997 at St James’ Park.

Cult hero Tino Asprilla scored a hat-trick that day and it remains one of the most remarkable European results in the club’s history.

As such, it will be fascinating to see the Spanish champions return to Tyneside. While they must be considered favourites for the game, Eddie Howe’s side famously thrashed Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 in October 2023 during their last European campaign and will hope to reach a similar level when Hansi Flick’s side come to town.

In the build-up to the game, Barca have confirmed an injury.

Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde celebrate FC Barcelona's goal against Como in a pre-season friendly.Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty ImagesAlejandro Balde injury confirmed ahead of Newcastle United vs Barcelona

Newcastle United vs Barcelona will take place at 8pm BST on Thursday 18 September, 2025.

That does not give either Howe or Flick a huge amount of time to get their squads ready after the international break.

Indeed, Barca have been dealt a blow in the build-up to the game. Just over two weeks before they travel to Tyneside, the club have confirmed that left-back Alejandro Balde has suffered a hamstring injury.

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A statement from the club posted on Barcelona’s official website read: “Defender Alejandro Balde suffered a slight injury to his left hamstring during today’s training session. His availability will depend on how he progresses.”

The 21-year-old has started all three of Barca’s La Liga games thus far.

Newcastle United’s confirmed squad for the Champions League

Newcastle have confirmed their squad for the Champions League, with one notable absence.

Jamaal Lascelles, who proved so brilliant during their last European run, has been left out of the squad for the first phase of the competition.

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  • Goalkeepers: Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale 
  • Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Fabian Schär, Malick Thiaw, Emil Krafth, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn 
  • Midfielders: Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock, Bruno Guimarães, Jacob Ramsey 
  • Forwards: Yoane Wissa, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, William Osula, Anthony Elanga, Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade 

Lewis Hall and Lewis Miley have not been included in the squad but are named on the B-list instead. 

List B is for players under the age of 21 who have been eligible to play for the club for over two years, criteria in which both Hall and Miley fit.