As FC Barcelona prepares for their La Liga opener against RCD Mallorca, a cloud of uncertainty looms over the squad.
With fresh faces integrated into the team, fans are eager to see how the revamped lineup performs in competitive action, starting with this weekend’s clash against RCD Mallorca.
However, in what could be a major setback for Barcelona’s ambitions, new signing Marcus Rashford is likely to miss the crucial encounter due to ongoing registration uncertainties with La Liga.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo (h/t FCB World), the English forward remains unregistered in the official squad, rendering him ineligible for selection as things stand.
This development comes as a blow, especially after initial optimism that Rashford might be cleared in time.
The club’s focus has shifted to prioritizing goalkeeper Joan Garcia’s registration ahead of the game, potentially delaying Rashford’s debut.
The reasoning behind this decision is pragmatic.
Barcelona’s goalkeeping options are thin, with Marc-André ter Stegen as the primary choice and little reliable backup available.
In contrast, the attacking department boasts versatility, with players like Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Gavi, and Fermín López capable of filling the false nine or wide roles effectively.
Rashford’s absence won’t cripple the team’s offensive capabilities, but it adds unnecessary pressure on the club amid financial and administrative hurdles that have plagued their transfer activities.
This situation underscores broader challenges at Barcelona, where economic constraints continue to impact squad building.
While the team has shown resilience in pre-season friendlies, including a solid outing against Daegu FC, the psychological toll of these registration woes could affect morale.
As the clock ticks toward kickoff, the next few days will be pivotal for the club’s management to resolve these issues and ensure both Garcia and Rashford are fully integrated.
For now, Flick must navigate this hurdle, relying on his existing stars to deliver a winning start against Mallorca.
The hope is that this setback proves temporary, allowing Barcelona to unleash their full potential soon.
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