Club record signing Nick Woltemade does not start for Newcastle United against Barcelona.
The German international made his debut for Newcastle United on Saturday, scoring the winner against Wolves in the Premier League.
With Yoane Wissa injured, Woltemade had been expected to start for Newcastle United against Barcelona in their first Champions League game of the season.
However, the 23-year-old forward has been left out of the starting lineup for the visit of the Spanish champions. Anthony Gordon, who is suspended domestically, starts up front instead.
What the forward said after the Wolves game might explain why.
- Who is Nick Woltemade? The ‘two-metre Messi-Musiala’ Newcastle United broke transfer record to sign
Nick Woltemade fitness update
Speaking after his debut, Woltemade confirmed he was suffering from a cramp.
On Sunday, Howe’s side head down to Bournemouth as the games come thick and fast.
While there is no suggestion that the former Stuttgart forward is injured, there have been suggestions that Woltemade isn’t ready to start three games in a week.
According to Lee Ryder of The Chronicle: “I think Eddie Howe always had a decision to make on resting and rotating, and with so few strikers Woltemade has paid a price for that.
“Nevertheless, plenty of value in the attack with Gordon back and Anthony Elanga getting a chance.”
Confirmed Newcastle United lineup vs Barcelona
Howe has recalled Gordon, while Anthony Elanga replaces Jacob Murphy. Elsewhere, it’s the same team who beat Wolves on Saturday.
Confirmed Newcastle United XI: Pope; Trippier, Burn, Schar, Livramento; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Subs: Thompson, Ramsdale, Hall, Botman, Thiaw, Krafth, Osula, J. Murphy, Woltemade, Willock, A. Murphy, Miley
Confirmed Barcelona XI: Garcia; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin; Pedri, De Jong, Fermin; Raphinha, Rashford; Lewandowski
Subs: Szczesny, Christensen, Torres, Casado, Olmo, Bernal, Eric, Jofre, Roony, A Fernandez, Kochen
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
