Flick set to call up two Barcelona academy talents against Athletic Club and Newcastle | Barca Universal

"Following that, there has been a change to their itinerary as Barça will remain in Bilbao overnight before flying directly to England. Instead of returning to Catalonia after the match, the club has decided that the team will depart from Bilbao Airport for Newcastle on Sunday."

"Because of this unusual travel schedule, Hansi Flick will use a single squad list for both matches. The players selected for the trip to Bilbao will remain with the group and continue on to Newcastle."

"Flick is counting on the young defenders largely because of the injuries to Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde. Both defenders suffered hamstring injuries during the Copa del Rey clash with Atletico Madrid and are expected to be sidelined for more than a month."

Barcelona will travel to Bilbao for a La Liga match against Athletic Club on Matchday 27, then remain overnight before flying directly to Newcastle for a UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg at St James' Park on Tuesday. Due to this unusual travel schedule, manager Hansi Flick will use a single squad list for both matches, with players selected for Bilbao continuing to Newcastle. Academy players Xavi Espart and Alvaro Cortes are expected to be called up for the trip, providing defensive cover due to injuries to Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde, both sidelined with hamstring injuries sustained during the Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid.

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