Marcus Rashford will miss Barcelona’s Copa del Rey quarterfinal first leg against Atletico Madrid on Thursday due to the team’s worsening injury situation.
Rashford, who is on loan from Manchester United, was sidelined as a precaution after taking a knee knock during Saturday’s La Liga victory against Mallorca. He now joins Raphinha and Pedri, two crucial players who have been injured and out of action.
“He got a hit, so it’s painful and we have to take care of him,” coach Hansi Flick said on Wednesday, confirming the setback. This is bad news, but even if things are difficult, I have faith in my team. The forward’s absence exacerbates Barcelona’s injury problems, which already include Andreas Christensen, Raphinha, Pedri, and Gavi.
Originally anticipated to return in a week due to a thigh issue, Raphinha has not yet resumed training. Flick stressed the need to properly manage crucial players’ recuperation and advised patience. “One step at a time. As a player, he constantly puts his all into the game. The coach advised us to be cautious and perhaps take a step back when he felt something.
Barcelona defeated Guadalajara, Racing Santander, and Albacete to get to the semifinals despite the absences. This season’s Copa del Rey will see them play their first top-flight opponent, Atletico Madrid, although Flick denied that their prior triumphs were undervalued.
Thursday is the date of the first leg in Madrid, while March 3 is the date of the second game at Spotify Camp Nou.
In the April final, the victor will play either Real Sociedad or Athletic Club, who start their semifinal matchup this week.
