Marcus Rashford Returns for Barcelona’s Champions League Clash Against Chelsea

Marcus Rashford has made a swift recovery from flu and is set to return to England this week as Barcelona prepares for their Champions League match against Chelsea in London.

The 28-year-old forward missed Barcelona’s recent LaLiga victory over Athletic Club, where they secured a 4-0 win at Spotify Camp Nou, due to illness that prevented him from training in the days leading up to the match.

Rashford resumed training with his teammates on Sunday and Monday and is included in Hansi Flick’s squad for the upcoming fixture at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

“I am very happy to have him back. He has just recovered from a cold, but he is fine. We will decide tomorrow whether he will start or come off the bench,” Hansi Flick stated during a press conference on Monday.

“I am glad to have him playing for Barcelona. I have followed his career, and I have always been impressed by his quality, particularly his finishing in front of goal. He has shown that in Barcelona as well.

“Adjusting to a new culture in Barcelona, enjoying the fantastic weather and the welcoming people, has made him very happy. You can see that he is smiling a lot. If the atmosphere here continues to be enjoyable, it will be beneficial for him.”

Since joining Barcelona on loan from Manchester United, Rashford has excelled in Europe this season, netting four goals—including two away at Newcastle United—and providing one assist in four appearances.

Overall, he has scored six goals and contributed eight assists across 16 matches for the Spanish champions in all competitions.

His return presents a selection dilemma for Flick, who is gradually regaining key players from injury. Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal started as the forward trio in the match against Athletic, with Raphinha returning as a substitute after a two-month injury hiatus.

With Rashford now back in contention, Flick faces the challenge of managing five attackers for just three positions, although Raphinha has also been deployed as an attacking midfielder at times.

Goalkeeper Joan García made his return over the weekend after a two-month absence, helping Barcelona achieve their first clean sheet since September; however, Pedri, Gavi, and Marc André ter Stegen remain sidelined.

Pedri may return for the weekend’s fixture against Alavés, but Gavi and ter Stegen are not expected back in the near future.

Tuesday’s match in London provides Barcelona with an opportunity to rebound from a disappointing 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in their last Champions League outing.

Both Barcelona and Chelsea currently sit on seven points from their four games, placing them 11th in the standings. A victory this week would bring Barcelona closer to their goal of securing a place in the top eight.

In other news, Barcelona is nearing an agreement on a new long-term contract for Eric García. His current deal is set to expire next summer, but positive discussions have taken place recently, indicating that an agreement is imminent.

García has become a vital player under Hansi Flick this season, excelling in various positions including central defender, right-back, and holding midfielder.

Once García’s contract is renewed, he will join the ranks of other key strategic renewals, following in the footsteps of players like Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong. Sporting director Deco’s next focus will be on extending contracts for Robert Lewandowski and Andreas Christensen, as the only permanent squad members with contracts expiring in 2026.