Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said winger Marcus Rashford has a “big chance” to impress with Raphinha out injured ahead of Saturday’s visit to face Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
Brazil international Raphinha is sidelined until May with a hamstring injury, opening the door for Rashford.
The England forward, on loan from Manchester United, impressed in the first half of the season but has not played as much in recent weeks.
“I said it before, I’m happy with Marcus. He’s performed well. In the last weeks he had some problems, he was injured and we have to take care of that,” Flick told reporters Friday.
The German coach said Rashford would still be battling with other players for the chance to play in Raphinha’s stead.
“It’s a big chance for him to show (his quality) again, but also we have other options,” he continued.
“Fermin (Lopez) can play there, Gavi can also play there, I’m really happy that Gavi is back on the level he’s showing in training.”
Barcelona have an option to buy Rashford for 30 million euros ($35 million) from Man United but have not yet decided if they will activate it.
Flick said he gave Raphinha a few days off to spend in Brazil with his family to cheer him up after his injury, sustained in a friendly against France last week.
Raphinha will miss several league games and the upcoming Champions League quarter-final tie against Atletico Madrid, with the first leg on Wednesday.
“It’s not the best moment for this injury, for us, for him, and he was sad about this,” said Flick.
“I face-timed with him, he was very disappointed, he was down… I gave him some days in Brazil with his family to clear his mind.”
Flick said defenders Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde and Eric Garcia were fit to face Atletico at the Metropolitano stadium and confirmed midfielder Frenkie de Jong was still sidelined.
Barca face Atletico three times in the space of 11 days and also lost the Copa del Rey semi-finals against Diego Simeone’s Rojiblancos earlier this season.
AFP
