Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has revealed that a change of scenery has reignited Marcus Rashford's passion for football, with the on-loan Manchester United forward fit and ready to face Chelsea in a crucial Champions League encounter on Tuesday night.
A New Lease of Life in Spain
Rashford, who had fallen out of favour at his parent club, has discovered a fresh spark since moving to Catalonia. Flick confirmed the England international missed Saturday's victory over Athletic Bilbao with a minor cold but has now recovered fully. 'He's smiling a lot,' Flick remarked, highlighting the positive impact of Rashford's new environment.
The German coach expressed his delight at having the forward in his squad, praising his innate quality and sharpness in front of goal. Rashford has already repaid that faith by scoring six times in all competitions this season, including a goal in the 3-1 win against Elche earlier this month.
Champions League Showdown at Stamford Bridge
The stage is set for a tight contest in London, with Barcelona and Chelsea level on seven points after four games in the new league phase, the Spanish side ahead only on goal difference. While Barcelona travel without the injured Pedri, they have been boosted by the return of winger Raphinha to full fitness.
Much of the pre-match narrative, however, surrounds a tantalising battle of teenage prodigies. The focus will be on whether Chelsea's 18-year-old Brazilian winger, Estêvão Willian, can outshine Barcelona's own young sensation, Lamine Yamal.
Chelsea's Spanish left-back, Marc Cucurella, joked about his training methods to prepare for facing his international teammate, Lamine Yamal. 'I tell Estêvão to put shin pads on in training,' Cucurella said, indicating the intense preparations.
Team News and Managerial Ambitions
Chelsea will be hampered by the absence of key playmaker Cole Palmer, who is wearing a protective boot after breaking a toe in a domestic accident last week. Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed Palmer is back in training but is unlikely to be fit for the subsequent Premier League match against Arsenal on Sunday.
When questioned about his future and any potential desire to manage Barcelona one day, the Italian coach remained firmly in the present. 'I'm very happy to be at this huge club, one of the best clubs in the world, and this is the most important thing,' Maresca stated, deflecting speculation about a return to Spain.
