Barcelona captain 100% ready to play vs Newcastle after recent injury – report

Barcelona face their biggest test of the season so far when they take on Newcastle United later tonight at St. James’ Park.

It will be the Blaugrana’s first UEFA Champions League match of the season, one which they will be extra-motivated to win, so as to kickstart their quest for the trophy on the right note.

Even though there are some notable absences from the squad list for tonight’s game, Barcelona did welcome Frenkie de Jong back into the roster.

De Jong 100% ready for Newcastle

Now, according to journalist Santi Ovalle on Que T’hi Jugues, De Jong is fully fit and 100% ready physically to play against Newcastle United tonight.

The Barcelona midfielder, one of the club captains, suffered a minor injury while on national team duty with the Netherlands earlier this month.

It led to him returning to the club earlier than expected, missing the Oranje’s game vs Liechtenstein, while he was not available for Barcelona’s La Liga win vs Valencia.

However, De Jong received his medical green light on Wednesday and has travelled to England ahead of tonight’s game at St. James’ Park.

But, there have been some doubts about his readiness to play and whether he should start, even more so after Marc Casado performed admirably vs Valencia.

However, Santi Ovalle affirms that the 28-year-old Dutchman is 100% ready physically to play against Newcastle United tonight.

Given that he is fit and firing again, coupled with his experience at the highest level, it is likely that Hansi Flick hands him a start alongside Pedri in Barcelona’s midfield tonight against the Premier League club.