Rashford has five goals and seven assists for Barcelona so far this season. He played the entire El Clasico match as they lost 2-1 to Real Madrid at the weekend.placeholder image
Rashford has five goals and seven assists for Barcelona so far this season. He played the entire El Clasico match as they lost 2-1 to Real Madrid at the weekend. | Middle East Images/AFP via Getty
Marcus Rashford dreams of a move to the Nou Camp but has an injury blown his chances?
Another day, another twist in the Marcus Rashford and Barcelona transfer saga.
The on loan Man United winger has been in fine form for the Catalans this season playing a key role in leading Hansi Flick’s side to the top of La Liga as well as a strong performance in the Champions League. Michael Carrick is keen to see the England international return to Old Trafford if he is appointed the manager on a permanent basis. The £26m option to buy clause now looks like an act of desperation with the benefit of hindsight with Ruben Amorim insistent that he was moved on.
Marcus Rashford injured for Barcelona
With a huge game against Atletico Madrid on the horizon, Flick has been dealt a double injury blow. The Barca boss is having to manage Raphina’s minutes with an official club statement explaining why Rashford will also miss out: “The first team player Marcus Rashford has pain in his left knee after taking a blow in the game against Mallorca on Saturday at Spotify Camp Nou. The player will miss Thursday's Copa del Rey game against Atlético Madrid.”
Flick went into a bit more detail, clearly disappointed that Rashford isn’t available.
“We have problems in the team,” Flick said in his pre-match press conference via The Athletic. “Marcus won’t be able 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.”
Rashford has been a regular for Barcelona this season playing most of his football on the left-hand side with only the odd appearance through the middle where it was expected that Barcelona had recruited him for initially. After a difficult couple of seasons he looks back to his best and deserves to be playing at one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Will knee injury ruin Rashford’s move to Barcelona?
Rashford has had long term injury problems in the past, however, on this occasion, it doesn’t look like the knock on his knee is enough to put a spanner in the works in terms of any potential summer move. Rashford has been told that Barca intend to take up the option to buy clause even if previous reports have suggested that they fully intend to try and negotiate United down.
The difference this time is that the circumstances at Old Trafford have changed completely. United’s system now suits Rashford and the manager who made him feel so unwanted at the club he grew up at is no longer there either. The 27-year old has professed his love for his adopted home, although the chance to redeem himself might prove to be too strong to resist.
The injury does have the possibility to raise doubt over a permanent United exit, if Barca delve into his injury history.
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