Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has placed his faith in Marcus Rashford to deliver when the Catalan giants kick off their Champions League campaign against Newcastle United. With teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal sidelined by injury, Rashford is expected to play a crucial role in leading Barcelona’s attack.
Rashford has quickly impressed since his summer move from Manchester United, showing flashes of his trademark pace, direct dribbling, and sharp finishing. His standout moment came in Barcelona’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Valencia, where he provided an assist and looked dangerous throughout. Flick believes those qualities make him the perfect option to step into Yamal’s absence.
“I have always admired Marcus for his speed, ability in one-on-one situations, and his finishing,” Flick noted earlier this week. “Since joining us, he has shown great potential, and I believe he can give even more. Against Valencia he was excellent, and now he has the chance to do the same on the Champions League stage.”
Seventeen-year-old Lamine Yamal had started the season in fine form with two goals and two assists in LaLiga before a hip injury on international duty forced him out of action. He is expected to miss Thursday’s clash at St. James’ Park and could also be unavailable for the weekend league fixture against Getafe.
Barcelona’s injury list also includes Alejandro Balde, Gavi, and long-term absentee goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. However, the return of Frenkie de Jong boosts Flick’s midfield options, ensuring the squad still has depth going into a challenging week.
Despite missing key players, Flick remains confident in his team’s ability to compete against Europe’s best. He emphasized that Barcelona’s fluid attacking play and recent strong performances provide the belief they need to begin their Champions League journey on a positive note.
“What matters most is the confidence we bring from recent games,” he explained. “The Premier League teams are always strong, but we showed against Valencia how well we can perform. With Marcus stepping up and the squad playing with intensity, we are ready for Newcastle.”
Barcelona’s clash against Newcastle marks their return to Europe’s elite competition, and all eyes will be on Rashford as he looks to prove himself in his new colours on one of football’s biggest stages.
