Rashford Recovers and Returns for the Champions League Clash Between Barcelona and Chelsea
Forward Marcus Rashford has overcome a bout of flu and is ready to return to action with Barcelona this week. The team will face Chelsea in a crucial Champions League match in London. Rashford, 28 years old, missed the recent match at the Spotify Camp Nou, where Barcelona achieved a 4-0 victory over Athletic Club in LaLiga, because he was unable to train in the days leading up to the match. However, the player rejoined training with his teammates on Sunday and Monday, and will be available to coach Hansi Flick in Tuesday’s match at Stamford Bridge.
Flick expressed his satisfaction at having Rashford, highlighting his admiration for the player and his quality. The coach also praised Rashford’s adaptation to life in Barcelona. The forward, on loan from Manchester United, has performed outstandingly in Europe with Barcelona this season, with four goals and one assist in four appearances. In total, he has scored six goals and provided eight assists in 16 matches in all competitions for the Spanish team. Rashford’s return poses a challenge for Flick, as the German coach regains several key injured players. Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal started in the last match against Athletic, while Raphinha returned as a substitute after a two-month injury. With Rashford back, Flick has five players for only 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 a clean sheet for the first time since September, but Pedri, Gavi and Marc André ter Stegen are still unavailable. Pedri could return this weekend against Alavés, but Gavi and Ter Stegen will not be available soon. The match in London offers Barcelona the opportunity to recover from the 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the Champions League. Like Chelsea, Barcelona currently has seven points in four matches, and a win this week would bring them closer to their goal of securing a place in the top eight.I am very happy. He returned from a cold, but he is fine. We will decide tomorrow whether he plays from the start or comes on from the bench,” commented Hansi Flick at a press conference on Monday.
Hansi Flick
