Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona on a season-long loan from Manchester United this summer, with the La Liga giants holding an option to make the move permanent next summer - but he was absent from training this week
Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres during a training session
Marcus Rashford missed training with Barcelona on Thursday
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Marcus Rashford missed training for Barcelona on Thursday as his team-mates returned from international duty to prepare for Saturday's clash with Athletic Club.
That's despite the Manchester United loanee being at the Ciutat Esportiva a day earlier. According to Diaro AS, Rashford did not attend training on Thursday for "personal reasons" after receiving permission from the La Liga giants, although it is reported that he will regroup with Hansi Flick's squad for preparations on Friday.
The news that Rashford's absence isn't a cause for concern will be welcomed by Barcelona fans. The club are set to return to the fold to face Athletic Club at the Camp Nou on Saturday, with hopes of closing the three-point gap Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid currently hold on them at the peak of the La Liga standings.
It comes as Rashford's wish of playing at Barcelona's home stadium is set to be granted this weekend. Barca have been unable to play on the hallowed turf of the Camp Nou since 2023 as a result of a £1.3billion refurbishment, instead conducting their home matches at the Lluis Company's Olympic Stadium.
That is set to change this weekend, as Flick's side return to their newly redeveloped stadium. The club revealed that a license was granted for their return, with over 45,000 fans able to watch the action.
A statement read: "FC Barcelona informs that the match corresponding to matchday 13 of the League, against Athletic Club, scheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 16:15 hours, will finally be played at Spotify Camp Nou.
"This decision comes after obtaining the first occupancy license corresponding to Phase 1B, which allows increasing the capacity up to 45,401 spectators. This authorization includes the entire Lateral area and adds to the license already granted for Phase 1A, which covers the Tribune and South Goal.
Marcus Rashford applauds
Marcus Rashford has thrived on loan with Barcelona
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"The Club continues working on Phase 1C to guarantee the resumption of activity in the North Goal, gathering all operational, security, and comfort conditions for members and fans."
Speaking about the opportunity to play at the Camp Nou while representing Barcelona, Rashford said this week during an open training session: "It’s a very nice feeling. It’s a beautiful stadium and when it is full it’s going to be unbelievable.
"Camp Nou was always one of my favourite stadiums and one I wanted to play in. But to play on it for Barcelona is going to be a different feeling. I cannot wait to be on the pitch. I will enjoy it."
Marcus Rashford runs
Marcus Rashford will hope to play at the Camp Nou this weekend
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Camp Nou is still undergoing renovation works, and will not be complete until 2027. When finished, the stadium will house up to 105,000 fans, making it the fifth-biggest stadium in the world.
It comes as Rashford is currently enjoying a season-long loan in Spain after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. Barcelona also have the option to make the move permanent next summer.
It's a deal that Barcelona may find tempting at present, considering the impact Rashford has had with the club in such a short space of time. As it stands, the Englishman has racked up six goals and nine assists from 16 appearances across all competitions, and will hope to add to that tally this weekend.
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