In-form Barcelona attacker remains a doubt for the Athletic Club clash – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have suffered a number of injuries to key players since the start of the 2025–26 season. It finally looks as though Hansi Flick is slowly recovering those players and nursing them back to full fitness ahead of the next phase of the campaign.

One player who has been ever-present for the German coach amid the chaos is Marcus Rashford. The Englishman, on loan from Manchester United, has settled in well, chipping in with regular goals and assists.

According to Mundo Deportivo, however, Rashford has missed training with the rest of the team for the second successive day and is now a doubt to face Athletic Club at the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday.

While it is not an injury or muscular problem, he is suffering from a serious bout of the flu. This has prevented him from training with the group, and he may not have the required fitness tomorrow.

Rashford’s absence would be a big blow for Hansi Flick. Raphinha is returning from a long lay-off and is unlikely to start, and Lamine Yamal is also not a certainty to start against Athletic Club following a recent procedure.

That leaves Ferran Torres, Toni Fernandez, or Roony Bardghji as natural options to play on the left wing. Another option would be to start Dani Olmo in a role he played exceedingly well for Spain, but the Spaniard may be needed deeper in midfield.

It remains to be seen how Hansi Flick mitigates Rashford’s loss. Let us hope he recovers from his illness and is fully fit when the Barcelona squad travels to England to face Chelsea in a few days’ time.