Hansi Flick confirms Marcus Rashford’s return to fitness for Barcelona following injury concerns.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick stated that Marcus Rashford is back to full fitness after facing recent health issues.
However, Flick noted that it is not the appropriate time to talk about the England forward’s future, as his loan from Manchester United concludes in June.
Rashford, 28, has had a fluctuating presence in the Barça lineup lately and was not utilized in their last two victories against Sevilla and Newcastle United.
“Marcus has encountered some difficulties in the past days,” Flick explained when questioned about his limited playing time.
“But now he is at 100% and is an option for Sunday [against Rayo Vallecano].”
Barça president Joan Laporta recently indicated that the club is open to extending Rashford’s stay, but mentioned they would seek to negotiate an extension of the loan with United.
According to ESPN last month, United is firm on the €30 million fee, which is stipulated in the agreement between the two clubs for Barça to secure a permanent transfer this summer.
“I require all my players until the season concludes; we are uncertain about what will happen afterward,” Flick remarked when asked about acquiring Rashford.
“There is time. There is also a World Cup this year. I have faith in my players. Rashford and [fellow loanee Joao] Cancelo both bring quality.”
“We will discuss at the end of the season and evaluate. Now is not the time to declare: ‘I want this player or I don’t want this player.’ Anything can occur.”
Rashford has netted 10 goals and provided 13 assists in his 38 matches for Barça this season, but his role has diminished since Raphinha’s return from injury.
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He may be considered by Flick for Rayo’s visit to Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday, with Flick also sharing positive news regarding goalkeeper Joan García.
García had to leave the field in the second half of the midweek Champions League victory against Newcastle, but he is fit to start against Rayo.
Eric García also exited that match, but Flick mentioned he is only prepared to be on the bench this weekend.
Barça, who are four points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga, remain without Jules Koundé, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, and Frenkie de Jong.
