FC Barcelona suffers a major blow as their key forward is ruled out of the crucial Girona clash with injury.
Hansi Flick’s squad, desperate to rebound from Thursday’s humiliating 4-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg loss to Atletico Madrid, will lack this vital attacking spark at Estadi Montilivi, where every point counts in their tight La Liga title race against Real Madrid.
The absence compounds an already depleted roster missing Pedri, Gavi, and Andreas Christensen, testing Flick’s rotation depth at a pivotal juncture.
That forward is Marcus Rashford, the on-loan Manchester United star whose left knee discomfort – picked up from an awkward landing against Mallorca – has lingered longer than hoped, sidelining him for the Atletico clash and now ruling him out of Girona, as relayed by Diario Sport.
Despite initial optimism for a return alongside Raphinha’s training comeback, Friday’s assessments confirmed Rashford won’t travel, with medical staff prioritising caution to avoid a longer layoff.
His 10 goals and 13 assists this season have been invaluable, blending physicality with flair alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, but backups like Ferran Torres must now step up.
Flick’s high-pressing system thrives on Rashford’s direct runs and pressing nous, qualities sorely missed in the Metropolitano meltdown, where Simeone’s provocations and VAR controversies added insult to a disjointed display.
Girona, resurgent under Michel and eyeing a top-six finish, poses a banana-skin threat – their fluid attack exposed Barcelona’s full-backs before.
Without Rashford, Flick may shuffle Torres centrally or elevate Ansu Fati, but creativity hinges on Yamal’s magic amid ongoing injury woes.
For Deco, this highlights summer urgency: Lewandowski’s potential exit demands reliable No. 9 options like Mateta, while Rashford’s €30m buy clause tempts permanence if fitness holds.
Barcelona leads La Liga by one point, but Girona demands focus – a win salvages momentum before the Copa return leg. Rashford’s absence stings, but resilience defines Flick’s project.
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