Barcelona Eyes Rashford to Fill Lamine Yamal's Boots

Hansi Flick

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praises Marcus Rashford's potential. Can he deliver against Newcastle United?

“I'm not thinking about who the favourite is (to win the Champions League this season)...”

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is banking on Marcus Rashford to shine in the absence of Lamine Yamal, who will miss Thursday's Champions League match against Newcastle United due to a hip injury sustained on international duty with Spain. Rashford, who impressed Flick with his assist in Barcelona's 6-0 thrashing of Valencia on Sunday, is expected to start in Yamal's place.

Flick praised Rashford, saying, “He has speed, but also, in one-against-one situations, it's really fantastic. And also finishing, it's unbelievable.” The German coach has been impressed with Rashford's performance since his arrival from Manchester United and believes he still has potential to show more.

Barcelona will face Newcastle United at St James' Park on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 8 pm WAT, without Alejandro Balde and Gavi, in addition to long-term absentee Marc-Andre ter Stegen. However, Frenkie de Jong is available for selection. Flick remains confident about his team's Champions League prospects, despite facing stiff competition.

“We are playing well in all areas. With this confidence, it is important to play tomorrow. They are very strong, but we are confident,” Flick said. He also mentioned that he expects a great team performance from Barcelona, with intensity and attention to detail, to overcome Newcastle's strong atmosphere.

“I really follow Marcus (Rashford) since he started with Manchester United. And I always said, 'Wow! What a player he is!” Flick told reporters at Wednesday's press conference in Newcastle.

“He has speed, but also, in one-against-one situations, it's really fantastic. And also finishing, it's unbelievable.

“What I saw from him in the first weeks here, it’s very good. And I think also he still has potential to show us more.”

Lamine Yamal's absence will be felt by Barcelona as they take on Newcastle United in the Champions League. The 17-year-old sensation has been impressive this season with two goals and two assists in LaLiga, but a hip injury sustained on international duty with Spain has ruled him out of Thursday's match. There's also uncertainty surrounding his availability for Sunday's match against Getafe.

“Newcastle are a great team, with intensity and always alert on second balls. Eddie Howe is a great coach and has done an excellent job.”

- Hansi Flick pic.twitter.com/7pox7gio23

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 17, 2025

Barcelona will face additional challenges without Alejandro Balde and Gavi, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen's long-term absence continues to impact the team. However, Frenkie de Jong is available for selection, providing some much-needed stability.

All eyes will be on Marcus Rashford as he looks to shine in his first Champions League appearance without Manchester United. Rashford has a decent record against Newcastle, having scored five goals in 15 encounters, including two at St. James' Park. With Lamine Yamal out, Rashford is likely to start on the left wing, and he'll be eager to impress English fans and help Barcelona secure a strong start in the Champions League.

“We all know that Lamine (Yamal) is not playing against Newcastle, maybe not on Sunday (against Getafe),” Flick said.

“But at the end, we have a strong team, and in his position, we have Marcus Rashford. If someone up front cannot play, he can step up and play like he showed on Sunday against Valencia. That is how good he is. 

“I hope that he can show in England the same performance he did on Sunday.”

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick remains optimistic about his team's chances in the Champions League, despite the tough competition they'll face. Flick's confidence stems from his team's strong performances so far this season, and he believes they'll be able to rise to the challenge. With key players like Marcus Rashford expected to step up in the absence of Lamine Yamal, Flick is looking forward to seeing his team in action against Newcastle United.

“I'm not thinking about who the favourite is (to win the Champions League this season). There are some very good teams, mainly coming from the Premier League,” he said.

“What we saw against Valencia was very positive. We are playing well in all areas. With this confidence, it is important to play tomorrow. They are very strong, but we are confident.”