Opinion: Eddie Howe has hinted Newcastle United star might be benched against Barcelona
Eddie Howe Faces Major Selection Headache Ahead of Newcastle United’s Champions League Clash With Barcelona
Eddie Howe has a tough decision to make as Newcastle United prepare for a blockbuster Champions League showdown with Barcelona. Despite boasting a squad that is considerably stronger than the one which last competed in Europe’s top competition, injuries and suspensions are already forcing Howe into difficult choices.
One of the most pressing issues is the absence of Yoane Wissa, who is ruled out of the game through injury. The loss of the forward narrows Howe’s attacking options and limits his ability to rotate his strike force at such a crucial stage of the season. While that setback is frustrating, Newcastle fans will be far more focused on one name: Nick Woltemade.
The young German striker made an electrifying debut at the weekend, immediately endearing himself to the St James’ Park faithful. His performance was full of energy, sharp movement, and an eye for goal, leaving supporters eager to see him unleashed against the Catalan giants. However, Woltemade also experienced firsthand the unforgiving pace of English football, suffering from cramps early in the second half. That physical strain could play a key role in Howe’s thinking as he weighs up whether to start him in back-to-back fixtures.
And that is where the real dilemma lies. After Barcelona, Newcastle face a tricky Premier League trip to Bournemouth on Sunday. Managing the fitness of his players while still fielding a competitive side in both fixtures will require Howe to strike a delicate balance.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Newcastle boss admitted that such decisions are rarely simple.
“We’re trying to take everything into consideration when we’re picking the teams at the moment,” Howe said. “We’re having an eye on the future, as in future games, to make sure whatever team we pick is balanced. The priority is to always win the next game. But we’re of course looking ahead to who we have available with future games in mind. Team selections aren’t always straightforward. There’s a lot that goes into it.”
Howe’s comments underline the tactical puzzle he faces. Start Woltemade and risk fatigue, or hold him back and rely on other forwards to deliver against Barcelona? For a manager renowned for meticulous planning, it is the kind of problem he is used to—but also one that could define Newcastle’s momentum in both Europe and the Premier League.
Adding another layer to the situation is Anthony Gordon’s availability. The winger is suspended domestically and will miss the Bournemouth trip, but he is eligible to play in Europe. That means Gordon is almost certain to start against Barcelona, offering Newcastle a major boost in attacking width and pace. Meanwhile, Woltemade remains available for both games, though whether Howe trusts him to feature heavily in such quick succession is another question.
For Newcastle, the stakes could not be higher. A victory against Barcelona would send a statement across Europe and strengthen their position in the group. But with Premier League points just as precious, Eddie Howe’s team selection over the coming days could prove decisive in shaping the Magpies’ season.