Marcus Rashford sparked concerns ahead of Barcelona's La Liga clash with Athletic Club
Marcus Rashford of Barcelona looks during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between FC Barcelona and Olympiacos FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 21, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Marcus Rashford is a major doubt for Barcelona's upcoming fixture
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Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has been forced to miss Barcelona training for the second consecutive day due to illness. The England star was absent from Thursday's session after returning to Spain from international duty.
Reports in Spain state he then attempted to return to training at Ciutat Esportiva on Friday morning, but was sent home shortly after 9am.
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Rashford is battling a 'severe cold' and fever. The 28-year-old reportedly showed up to training on Friday still displaying symptoms.
Rashford is one of only two Barcelona players to have played every game so far this season. But the winger's absence so close to Saturday's La Liga clash with Athletic Club has sparked serious concerns that he could miss the game.
Should he be ruled out, it would be a major disappointment for the forward, as Hansi Flick's side are set to play at Camp Nou for the first time in over two years.
The club are reportedly expected to release a medical statement on Friday explaining his recent absence. Flick said in his press conference: "Marcus has a fever and was out yesterday and today, and I have doubts about whether he'll be available tomorrow."
Rashford, who is on loan in Catalonia until the end of the season, has been in scintillating form this campaign. The United academy graduate has an impressive six goals and nine assists in just 16 appearances across all competitions.
Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres during the training day of FC Barcelona ahead the Spanish League, La Liga EA Sports, football match against Elche CF at Ciudad Esportiva Joan Gamper on November 01, 2025 in Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona, Spain.
Rashford left training for the second day in a row
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His standout performances came in the Champions League against Newcastle and Olympiacos, where he netted two goals in each game, having also provided an assist in last month's 2-1 El Clasico defeat.
There is some positive news for Flick as Joan Garcia, Raphinha, Marc Casado and Lamine Yamal are all available for Saturday after recovering from injuries. However, midfield sensation Pedri is a doubt as he has been training separately all week.
Rashford will hope to be fully fit for Tuesday's Champions League showdown, where he'll return to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea in the fifth round of the competition’s league phase.
Following that, Barcelona will face Alaves on November 29 before a huge home game against fellow title contenders Atletico Madrid on December 2.