Marcus Rashford is flourishing at Barcelona, with manager Hansi Flick noting the forward's renewed happiness since his loan move from Manchester United. The England international, who fell out of favour at Old Trafford, has scored six goals in all competitions this season for the Spanish champions.
Flick expressed relief that Rashford has recovered from a cold and is available for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. 'He’s smiling a lot now,' Flick said. 'The change of culture, fantastic people and nice weather have been amazing for him.'
Barcelona travel to London without Pedri, but Raphinha returns to fitness. The match sees Lamine Yamal face Chelsea’s Brazilian teenager Estêvão Willian, with Marc Cucurella joking he has advised the youngster to wear extra protection in training.
Chelsea will be without Cole Palmer after he broke a toe in a home accident, ruling him out of the Barcelona game and likely Sunday’s clash with Arsenal. Manager Enzo Maresca dismissed questions about potentially coaching Barcelona in the future, stating he is focused on his current role at Stamford Bridge.
