Rashford Recovers and Returns for Barcelona vs. Chelsea Clash
Marcus Rashford has overcome the flu and is ready to rejoin the Barcelona team for the crucial Champions League match against Chelsea in London. The 28-year-old striker missed the recent match at the Spotify Camp Nou, where Barcelona achieved a 4-0 victory over Athletic Club in LaLiga, due to an illness that prevented him from training in the days leading up to the match. However, Rashford rejoined training with his teammates on Sunday and Monday, and will be available to coach Hansi Flick for Tuesday’s match at Stamford Bridge.
Flick also expressed his satisfaction at having Rashford on the team, highlighting his admiration for the player’s quality and his adaptation to life in Barcelona. Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, has made a notable impact in European competition with Barcelona this season, scoring four goals and providing an assist in four appearances. In total, he has scored six goals and provided eight assists in 16 matches in all competitions with the Catalan club. His return represents a dilemma for Flick, as the German coach recovers several key players from injuries. Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal started in the match against Athletic, with Raphinha coming on as a substitute after a two-month injury. With Rashford back, Flick has five players for three positions, although he has also used Raphinha as an attacking midfielder on occasion. Goalkeeper Joan García also returned on the weekend after a two-month absence, helping Barcelona keep their first clean sheet since September, but Pedri, Gavi, and Marc André ter Stegen are still absent. Pedri could return on the weekend, when Alavés visits Camp Nou, but Gavi and Ter Stegen are not expected to return soon. The trip to London on Tuesday offers Barcelona the opportunity to recover from the disappointing 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the Champions League. Like Chelsea, they currently have seven points from their four games, which leaves them in 11th place in the standings, and a win this week would bring them closer to their goal of qualifying for the top eight.I am very happy. He has recovered from a cold, but he is fine. We will decide tomorrow whether he plays from the start or comes on from the bench.
Hansi Flick
