Marcus Rashford could replace €90m Barcelona star in starting XI due to fatigue | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to return to competitive action this weekend as the current international break is nearing its conclusion. The Blaugranes will be playing against Valencia in this game, and Hansi Flick will have several decisions to make about his team for this match.

One of the decisions would be about the left wing, as Raphinha will be returning to the Catalan club with a lot of wear and tear accumulated during the international break.

In addition to travelling across the Atlantic to join his Brazilian national team and playing 80 minutes against Chile, he also had to travel to Bolivia and play at a very high altitude for around half an hour. Thus, the €90 million-rated Brazilian winger would not be in his top physical condition.

As a result, according to Diario AS, Flick could opt to give Marcus Rashford a chance to start. The English forward, who found the net for England against Serbia during the break, has so far featured in all three league games for Barcelona without truly leaving his mark.

Rashford was given his first start against Levante, beginning the game brightly but fading and being replaced at halftime. He also made substitute appearances against Mallorca and Rayo Vallecano, but was unable to change the course of either match.

Even so, his minutes on the pitch have shown glimpses of what he can offer, and a starting role against Valencia could provide him with the continuity he needs to gain rhythm and confidence.

With Raphinha likely fatigued and the Champions League opener against Newcastle on the horizon, Flick may choose to rest his Brazilian winger. That would open the door for Rashford to step in, giving him another opportunity to adapt to Barcelona’s system and prove his worth.