Barcelona boss Flick confirms Rashford to replace Yamal but needs to sleep on key selection dilemma for Newcastle clash
The Barcelona coach has some decisions to make for their Champions League opener.
Marcus Rashford is set to take the place of Lamine Yamal in the Barcelona line-up to face Newcastle United, but coach Hansi Flick needs “eight hours of rest” to decide on another selection issue for the Champions League clash.
Barca will be without Yamal for their Champions League opener at St James’ Park due to a groin injury that also kept him out of their 6-0 thrashing of Valencia last weekend.
Rashford played on the left in that rout, laying on an assist for Raphinha. Flick essentially confirmed he will start against Newcastle and is hopeful the England international can have a major influence as Barca aim to earn a positive result in what is likely to be a raucous atmosphere on Tyneside.
“I want to talk about the players who can play,” Flick told a pre-match press conference. “Tomorrow he [Yamal] can’t play and we’ll see on Sunday. We have a good squad and there are people for the position.
“Rashford is in the team. If someone can’t play, he can come in. I hope he can show in England what he did on Sunday.
“I’ve followed Marcus since Manchester United. What I’ve seen in the first few weeks has been very good and has a little more potential to show. It’s very good to have him in the team. He’s an incredible, fantastic player. What I’m seeing is very good.”
Elsewhere on the Barca forward line, Flick needs to decide whether Ferran Torres or Robert Lewandowski will start through the middle. Torres has led the line in all four of their games so far, but Lewandowski scored twice as a substitute against Valencia.
“I have to watch the training session and then I need eight hours of rest to decide,” Flick said of his dilemma up front.
On Newcastle’s atmosphere, Flick added: “I’ve never been here, but my players tell me this stadium is one of the best atmospheres. I expect a great team, with intensity and attentive to the second plays. Eddie Howe is a great coach and they have done a great job.
“What we saw against Valencia was very positive. We are playing well in all facets. With this confidence it is important to play tomorrow. You have to have the ball and take advantage of the spaces.
“It will not be an easy match. They are very strong and there are very strong teams in this Champions League, but we are confident.
“There are many young people [in the team], but also veterans, especially the Spaniards. They know how to handle pressure. It is our strength. We have confidence with the ball and we have to come out focused from the beginning. Last season we were many points behind [in the league phase] and we turned around. We were confident, but it’s important to start well from the beginning.”