Spanish media made their view of Marcus Rashford clear after Barcelona's humiliating 4-0 loss in the Copa del Rey
Barcelona's Marcus Rashford reacts during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Elche and Barcelona
Marcus Rashford has made no qualms about his desire to sign permanently for Barcelona(Image: AP)
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Marcus Rashford's injury spared him from Barcelona's crushing 4-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey. The winger, currently on loan at the Spanish club from Manchester United, was absent from Thursday's fixture at the Metropolitano Stadium after picking up a knock during the 3-0 win over Mallorca on Saturday.
In the first leg of the semi-final clash, Hansi Flick's team shipped all four goals before half-time, with the opening 45 minutes being considered the worst of the German's spell in Catalonia thus far.
He made the trip to Madrid without Pedri, Raphinha and the England international, but now confronts an unlikely challenge of reaching the final to defend the trophy. Vowing his squad will recover ahead of the second leg next month, Flick stated: "Look, when I say I'm disappointed, maybe that's not right.
"I'm proud of these players this season. We've had injuries. And that's part of the game. Sometimes you lose. Today was a wake-up call, a tough defeat. And we'll be back. We have to accept this lesson.
"We didn't play well from the first minute. We have a young team, but that's no excuse. Then, the second half was better." Spanish media's assessment of Rashford was evident following the humiliating loss.
Sport
Jordi Carne of Sport addressed Rashford's omission from the 4-0 thrashing, acknowledging that Flick's inability to select the Englishman disrupted his team's equilibrium on the flanks. Dani Olmo, who typically excels operating centrally, was deployed on the left wing but doesn't possess Rashford's speed and directness.
He stated: "Barca sorely missed their two key players, in addition to Lamine Yamal and Joan Garcia. All six defeats this season have come in matches where Raphinha hasn't played a single minute, and whilst the numbers without Pedri aren't as bad as they once were, the Canary Islander is fundamental not only in possession but also in defensive cover.
"The added absence of Marcus Rashford meant Olmo had to move to the left wing, leaving the team without the two natural replacements for Raphinha and Pedri."
Mundo Deportivo
The England striker wasn't even referenced in Mundo Deportivo's assessment of the loss, who chose instead to concentrate on the unavailability of Pedri and Raphinha.
Despite having 23 goals and assists to his name this campaign, which surpasses the midfielder (10) and the Brazilian winger (18), it could be suggested that Rashford isn't yet regarded as a vital player for Barcelona by certain Spanish press.
Marcus Rashford reacts to getting hit by the ball
Marcus Rashford was ruled out of Barcelona's clash against Atletico Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
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They stated: "Without Pedri or Raphinha , and with Lamine well contained, Barca were outmatched in intensity and effectiveness. The tie is now a very uphill battle. There are precedents in Barca's history of impossible comebacks, but this time the challenge borders on the epic."
AS
Rashford received no mention from AS. The extensive breakdown of the damaging result saw Juan Jimenez bemoan the absences of Pedro and Raphinha, yet neglect to address the increasing significance of the Englishman to Flick's squad.
Despite Rashford featuring from the start in every Copa del Rey fixture before Thursday, Jimenez commented: "Surviving without Pedri is very difficult. And surviving without the Canary Islander and Raphinha is practically impossible.
"If Lamine represents talent, Pedri and Raphinha are usually the barometer of a Barca side facing some uncertainties after the defeat at the Metropolitano. Perhaps the two weeks off after the Girona match will give them time to reflect."
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