Rashford’s Return Boosts Barcelona Ahead of Chelsea Clash

Marcus Rashford has successfully recovered from a bout of flu and is set to return to England this week for Barcelona’s Champions League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The 28-year-old forward missed Barcelona’s recent 4-0 victory over Athletic Club at Spotify Camp Nou due to his inability to train leading up to the match. However, he was back in training with his teammates on Sunday and Monday, and he is expected to be included in Hansi Flick’s squad for the upcoming fixture.

“I am very pleased with his recovery. He has returned from illness, and he is doing well. We will decide tomorrow whether he will start or come off the bench,” Hansi Flick stated during a press conference on Monday.

Flick expressed his satisfaction with Rashford’s contribution to the team, stating, “I have been following his career closely. I have always been impressed by his quality and what he can do in front of goal. He has demonstrated this during his time in Barcelona.”

The transition to living in Barcelona has been positive for Rashford, with Flick noting, “The culture, the fantastic weather, and the people have made him very happy. He seems to be enjoying himself, which is beneficial for his performance.”

Rashford, currently on loan from Manchester United, has made a significant impact in Europe this season, scoring four goals—including two in a match against Newcastle United—and providing one assist in four appearances. Overall, he has scored six goals and assisted eight times in 16 matches across all competitions for the Spanish champions.

His return presents a selection dilemma for Flick, who is gradually recovering key players from injury. The front three against Athletic included Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal, with Raphinha making a comeback as a substitute after a two-month absence.

With Rashford now back in contention, Flick has five forwards to choose from for three positions, although Raphinha has also been employed in an attacking midfield role on occasion.

Additionally, goalkeeper Joan García returned over the weekend after a two-month injury layoff, helping Barcelona secure their first clean sheet since September. However, Pedri, Gavi, and Marc André ter Stegen remain unavailable for selection, with Pedri potentially returning for the weekend match against Alavés.

The upcoming match against Chelsea offers Barcelona a chance to rebound from a frustrating 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in their last Champions League outing. Both teams currently have seven points from their four games, placing them 11th in the standings, and a win would bring them closer to securing a position in the top eight.

In other news, Barcelona is nearing an agreement for a long-term contract with defender Eric García, whose current deal expires next summer. Positive discussions have occurred recently, and an announcement is expected soon. García has emerged as a crucial player under Flick, showcasing his versatility in various defensive roles.

Following García’s renewal, he will join key players like Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong in securing their future with the club, while sporting director Deco shifts his focus to contract negotiations with Robert Lewandowski and Andreas Christensen.