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SPECIAL TALENT: LAMINE YAMAL'S 73 GOALS/ASSISTS THREATEN CHELSEA'S DEFENSE

Chelsea's Marc Cucurella jokingly warns he's ready for a "brutal battle" against Barcelona's Lamine Yamal. The Spanish teammates face off at Stamford Bridge, with Cucurella also comparing Yamal to Chelsea's Estevao.

Special Talent: Lamine Yamal's 73 Goals/Assists Threaten Chelsea's Defense
Yamal Warning Sent Via Estevao Willian

Chelsea's Marc Cucurella jokingly warned Lamine Yamal that he's ready for a tough match as Chelsea hosts Barcelona tonight at Stamford Bridge.

Cucurella will face his Spanish teammate for the first time, with the Blues left-back tasked with stopping one of Europe's most dangerous forwards.

Yamal has been a sensation since joining Barca's first team in 2023. The 18-year-old has scored 31 goals and assisted 42 in 127 games for the team across all competitions.

The Spain international has quickly become a feared opponent for full-backs, but Cucurella seems eager for the challenge tonight.

It's hard to play against guys like that because they're super talented, Cucurella said. It's not just Lamine against Cucurella; it's a big game. We all need to step up.

Cucurella jokingly added that he's told Estevao Willian to wear shin pads in training as he prepares for the game against Barcelona.

Because of their age, position, and skill, people have compared Estevao and Yamal.

When asked to compare them, Cucurella said, They're both special players with loads of talent. They always want the ball and try to take players on. They can decide games.

Maybe the only difference is that Lamine has been playing in Europe for a few seasons, and Estevao is just arriving. But he's doing great, improving all the time.

They're both funny guys who love the game and always have a smile on their faces. If they're happy, they play well.

Enzo Maresca is happy with how Estevao is settling in and improving. Maresca thinks Estevao, who didn't play in the win over Burnley on Saturday, could become a big player at Stamford Bridge. However, the Italian didn't want to put too much pressure on the Brazilian by comparing him to Yamal.

Estevao will be an important player for this club, Maresca said. For me, the most important thing is that he enjoys playing, is happy, and focuses on improving himself every day. If he works hard, he'll become a top player for this club.

OFFICIAL DECISION: BARCELONA INFORM MARCUS RASHFORD THEY WANT HIM TO STAY AT CAMP NOU

Barcelona plan to keep Marcus Rashford permanently despite financial hurdles. See the latest on his £26m clause and United future.

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Will Marcus Rashford start the El Clásico final against Real Madrid?

Barcelona really do want to keep Marcus Rashford, but they’re not so sure about paying the full £26 million buyout clause in his loan deal from Manchester United.

It’s only been a little over a year since Rashford last played for United. After that, Ruben Amorim pushed him out of the first team. Rashford bounced back with a solid loan spell at Aston Villa, then landed at Barcelona last summer on a season-long deal. The club got an option to make it permanent.

So far, this move feels like a win for everyone. Rashford has scored seven goals and set up 11 more in 26 games, and Barcelona is sitting four points clear at the top of La Liga. He looks like a new man—sharper, more driven—and now he’s a big piece for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad heading into the World Cup.

There’s still been some debate about whether Barcelona will lock him down for good, since he hasn’t totally nailed down a starting spot. Just this week, he started on the bench for their Super Cup semi-final win over Athletic Club.

Now, with El Clásico against Real Madrid in the Super Cup final coming up on Sunday, a lot of eyes are on Rashford to see how much he’ll feature.

Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim got sacked last Monday, which could open the door for guys like Rashford and Jadon Sancho to return to United. But according to The Athletic, United doesn’t plan to bring them back. Barcelona, on the other hand, has decided they want Rashford to stick around at Camp Nou after this season.

Still, Fabrizio Romano reports that Barcelona isn’t exactly rushing to trigger that buyout clause, and any final call probably won’t come until closer to the summer. Their finances play a big part in this—plus, Rashford’s £350,000-a-week salary, which Barcelona is currently covering in full.

The £26 million fee already looks like a bargain for a player of Rashford’s ability, and with the way he’s been playing, United aren’t likely to settle for less.

Either way, Rashford seems happy in Spain. He’s made it clear he wants to stay, and there are even rumours he’s hoping to link up again with ex-United teammate Kobbie Mainoo.

OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION: LA LIGA CLEARS BARCELONA TO SIGN A REPLACEMENT FOR INJURED ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN

Barcelona finalises Joao Cancelo’s return as La Liga approves injury cover. See how Deco used Andreas Christensen’s salary for the signing.

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What’s next for Andreas Christensen?

Mundo Deportivo reports that La Liga’s Medical Commission has officially recognised Andreas Christensen’s long-term injury. That means the Danish defender will miss about five months.

With that confirmation, Barcelona can now use 80% of Christensen’s salary margin under Financial Fair Play to bring in a replacement.

While the club hasn’t made it official yet, Joao Cancelo is set to fill that gap. He’s currently at Al-Hilal, but all signs point to him heading back to Barcelona.

Christensen tore his left ACL during a training session at the end of 2025. As soon as they got the bad news and realised he’d be out for months, Barça started looking for someone who could step in.

Finding a new centre-back during the January window is tough—Deco said as much. So, they turned to Cancelo, the Portuguese full-back, as the best option available.

Cancelo wants to come back. He played for Barcelona in the 2023/24 season and is keen to return. Everything’s lined up for his move, and the club expects to wrap up the signing next week, once the team gets back from Saudi Arabia.

Now that La Liga has cleared Christensen’s injury status, there shouldn’t be any problem registering Cancelo after the transfer goes through.

He’s coming in on a simple loan—no buy option for now. Even so, Cancelo hopes to stick around beyond this season.

Deco explained why they went for Cancelo over another centre-back: “We’re getting Ronald back, and the coach already said that gives us another centre-back. Cancelo means Eric doesn’t have to play as a fullback so much, which isn’t really his spot. Plus, Kounde can move inside if we need. It gives us options we just didn’t have before.”

As for Christensen, it’s unlikely he’ll play again this season. Still, Barcelona has decided to give him a one-year extension, since his contract ends this summer.

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