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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and his assistant Marcus Sorg will be on the bench for their Champions League opener against Newcastle United after UEFA partially upheld the club’s appeal.
The pair had been handed a one-match ban following last season’s controversial semi-final defeat to Inter Milan, but the suspension has now been lifted. Both will, however, remain under a one-year probation period, meaning any further breach of UEFA’s regulations will lead to new sanctions.
Barcelona will cover the costs of the appeal process, though the decision is seen as a significant boost ahead of Thursday’s trip to St James’ Park.
The Catalans will be without Gavi and Alejandro Balde for the clash, while Newcastle have injury concerns of their own.
New signing Yoane Wissa has been ruled out after picking up an injury earlier in the summer. Manager Eddie Howe confirmed: “Unfortunately, he won’t be able to play this game. I saw him for the first time yesterday, and he’s still feeling the strain from the injury he picked up just before heading out. We’ll have to see how he feels.”
Another absentee for the Magpies will be midfielder Jacob Ramsey, who sustained an ankle injury against Leeds United. Howe added: “Jacob is our only other injury concern, and he will miss the game. He suffered a tackle against Leeds, his ankle swelled up at half-time, and he had to come off. Sadly, I think he’ll be out until the next international break, so it’s a big blow.”
Newcastle are still searching for their first win of the Premier League season, with just two points from their opening three matches.
Barcelona resume domestic duties against Valencia on Sunday at Estadi Johan Cruyff before flying to England for Thursday’s Champions League Group Stage opener.
