Lamine Yamal set to miss Barcelona's Champions League opener against Newcastle

The 18-year-old has not trained with Xavi's squad since returning from international duty with Spain earlier this month.

He was absent from the 6-0 victory over Valencia on Sunday and, according to Mundo Deportivo, is unlikely to return before the end of September.

That puts his availability for the league meeting with Real Oviedo on 25 September in serious doubt.

Yamal's progress has been interrupted by a recurring groin problem that first flared up during the international break.

While representing Spain, he required painkillers to feature in World Cup qualifiers and even missed training sessions with the national side.

It is a frustrating setback for the youngster, who had made a flying start to the new campaign. He already has four goal contributions in his opening three La Liga matches, building on a breakout 2023-24 season in which he registered nine goals and 13 assists for the Catalan giants.

His international form has been just as impressive, with three assists in two appearances for Spain this month.

Yamal's absence will be keenly felt by Barcelona, though it offers a lift for Newcastle and manager Eddie Howe. The Premier League side are hoping for an improved showing in Europe after failing to progress beyond the group stage last season.