FC Barcelona will return to the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, with the La Liga clash against Athletic Club marking the first game at the venue after two and a half years away due to renovation works.
Leading up to the game, Hansi Flick welcomed good news on the fitness front as Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Joan Garcia, and Marc Casado are all set to be available.
However, there appears to be a fresh concern for the Blaugrana with one of their most in-form players.
Rashford a doubt
Indeed, according to SPORT, Marcus Rashford has left the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper early on Friday morning, creating significant uncertainty less than 24 hours before Barcelona face Athletic Club.
The English forward was absent from training on Thursday as well, with the reasons for the same being unclear.
As for today, the 28-year-old arrived at the Barcelona training facilities but departed shortly after 9 am. This puts his availability for the game against the Basque club under serious doubt.
Rashford is one of two Barcelona players who have featured in every match of the season so far. His unexpected exit from the premises has raised concern inside the club.
Barcelona return to competition after a two-week international break, looking forward to being back at the Spotify Camp Nou and welcoming several key players who have recovered in time.
As mentioned earlier, Garcia, Raphinha, Casado and Lamine are all available, with Yamal fully fit. Pedri is unlikely to make it as he trained separately throughout the week and is expected to be protected for the Chelsea game.
As things stand, though, the main concern seems to be Rashford. The forward had already missed Thursday’s training session, and he will be unable to participate in Friday’s final session.
There is some hope that he may still be available for the match. But if he is unable to play, Barcelona are expected to release a medical statement later today explaining the nature of his discomfort.
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