The coaching staff of FC Barcelona, led by German coach Hansi Flick, received a painful blow just hours before playing one of the most important matches of the season, after it was confirmed that English star Marcus Rashford would be out of action due to injury.
This news comes to disrupt preparations within the Catalan club, especially as the team is going through a crucial stage of local competitions, as the Blaugrana seek to secure their place in the final match of the Spanish King's Cup, a tournament of paramount importance to both the fans and the management in order to salvage the season with a prestigious local title.
Injury details and medical report
FC Barcelona issued an official statement on its website and social media platforms, revealing the nature of Rashford's injury. The statement explained that the player is suffering from persistent pain in his left knee, resulting from a heavy blow he received during the team's last match against Real Mallorca, which took place last Saturday in La Liga.
The club's medical staff confirmed that the player underwent thorough examinations which confirmed his need for rest and physical therapy, which puts him out of the coach's plans at the moment to avoid aggravating the injury, especially in light of the busy schedule of matches.
A significant absence from the Cup final
Based on the medical report, Marcus Rashford has been definitively ruled out of the highly anticipated and crucial match between Barcelona and their fierce rivals, Atlético Madrid. The game is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, as part of the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. This absence represents a significant tactical blow for Hansi Flick, given the English star's attacking prowess and speed, which allows him to penetrate the solid defenses for which Diego Simeone's team is renowned.
The injury crisis worsens with Rafinha
The woes didn't end with Rashford's injury; manager Hansi Flick's troubles were compounded by the continued absence of the talented Brazilian winger Rafinha. The player missed the team's group training session on Wednesday, as he continues to suffer from excessive strain in his right adductor muscle.
This double absence (Rashford and Rafinha) puts the coaching staff in front of a real challenge to find suitable replacements in the forward line, especially since facing Atletico Madrid requires 100% physical and technical readiness to break down the Rojiblancos' defense and come out with a positive result from the first leg that will make the team's task easier in the second leg.
