Barcelona will be without Marcus Rashford when they take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final clash.
Marcus Rashford is in the process of trying to prove himself worthy of a permanent deal at Barcelona.
Barcelona have a £26 million buy option included in Rashford’s loan deal, but the La Liga giants have yet to make it clear whether they plan to trigger it or not.
It is understood that Barcelona held talks with Manchester United, trying to negotiate a cheaper deal, leading to reports of a return to Old Trafford.
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United’s stance on the matter is that they are likely to cash in on Rashford one way or another.
Rashford will be looking to finish the season strongly, even though he hasn’t cemented a starting role in Hansi Flick’s side.
Barcelona are in action again on Thursday night when they will be looking to take advantage in their Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid, but Flick won’t be able to count on Rashford due to a recent setback.
Marcus Rashford playing against Mallorca
Photo by Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
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With 23 goal contributions in 34 appearances for Barcelona, it would be fair to say the loan deal has been a success for Flick’s side.
The majority of the goals (5) scored by Rashford have come in the Champions League, while the England international has scored four in the league.
Rashford has made 21 La Liga appearances, including 13 starts, with the latest coming in Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Mallorca last weekend.
Barcelona stated on Wednesday, confirming Rashford’s injury, that he sustained the knock against Mallorca.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday afternoon, Flick said (via The Athletic): “We have problems in the team.
“Marcus won’t be available to play, he took a knock, he’s in pain and we have to look after him. I believe in my team and we rise to the occasion in difficult situations.”
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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim giving instructions to Marcus Rashford.
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Flick now has fewer options in attack in addition to Raphinha’s absence, meaning the Barcelona coach has big decisions to make for the game against Atletico Madrid.
In turn, this means Barcelona’s hopes of lifting the Copa del Rey have taken a significant blow.
Injury comes at bad time for Marcus Rashford
With Raphinha out, this was a chance for Rashford to prove his worth to Flick as a starter in the team.
It’s a crucial cup tie, and Rashford’s absence leaves a gaping hole on the left flank.
The United loanee was a guarantee to start before it emerged that an injury would rule him out of action for the first-leg.
Flick may change Barcelona’s system unless he can find a natural replacement for Raphinha and Rashford.
Ferran Torres could be given a start against Diego Simeone’s side.
Hopefully, it’s not a serious injury for Rashford.
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