Barcelona coach Hansi Flick says Marcus Rashford can shine in the Champions League as he replaces injured star Lamine Yamal against Newcastle

Yamal, who has become one of world football’s brightest young talents, is sidelined with a groin injury, handing Rashford a major opportunity to revive his career during a loan spell at Camp Nou.

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Rashford, 27, joined Barcelona from Manchester United after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim. He impressed for England in a recent 5–0 World Cup qualifier against Serbia and provided an assist in Barca’s 6–0 win over Valencia last weekend.

“I have followed Marcus since Manchester, and I always said, ‘Wow! What kind of player he is,’” Flick told reporters. “He has speed, he’s fantastic one-against-one, and his finishing is unbelievable. I think he has even more potential to show us.”

Barcelona, who have not lifted the Champions League trophy in a decade, are aiming to go one step further after their dramatic semi-final exit to Inter Milan last season.

“Everyone here is looking for that Champions League win,” Flick added. “We will learn every day to get better and better, and we’ll see what happens at the end of the season.”

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Alongside Yamal, Barcelona will also be without the injured Alejandro Balde and Gavi for the trip to St James’ Park.