Marcus Rashford update released by Barcelona after concern over Man Utd star | Football | Sport
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has expressed confidence that Marcus Rashford will feature in the squad for the club’s final home fixture of the season against Real Betis on Sunday evening. The Manchester United loanee netted the opening goal against Real Madrid last week, a crucial contribution that helped seal the La Liga title.
Rashford’s strike in El Clasico sparked jubilant celebrations, as the England international claimed his second piece of silverware of the campaign following the Supercopa Espana triumph earlier in the season. The Catalan giants hold an option-to-buy on the forward this summer, having delivered an impressive 14 goals and 14 assists across 48 appearances in all competitions.
Rashford was part of the Barcelona squad that suffered defeat to Alaves in midweek, ahead of what could prove to be his final appearance at the Nou Camp this weekend. The England international’s absence from training on Saturday raised concerns that he could be ruled out of the match, which would represent a significant blow following last week’s title triumph.
However, Flick moved to reassure supporters regarding Rashford’s fitness ahead of the contest, stating: “The team that plays against Betis tomorrow will be different from the one that played against Alavés. (Frenkie) De Jong is out of the squad for tomorrow; he’s not feeling well.
“That’s for sure, it’s decided. And with Rashford, we have to wait, but I’m confident he’ll be with us.”(Andreas) Christensen? The plan is to give him some playing time tomorrow. We wanted him to play against Alavés but we changed our minds. This time I do think it will be possible to give him playing time.”
Should Rashford be forced to sit out the fixture, it would represent a significant setback with his future in Spain remaining unresolved. The 28-year-old made clear his wish to remain after playing a key role in Barca’s title triumph.
Nevertheless, reports suggest Barcelona would favour another loan arrangement owing to their present financial constraints, with the Spanish champions reportedly unable to meet that previously agreed fee.
“This is the perfect way I want it to end. I’m very happy, I just want to enjoy today. I live in the moment. At the end of the season we will see,” Rashford told ESPN after the goal against Real Madrid.
“I came here to win and we do this so I’m very happy. It’s an incredible feeling. Over the season we deserved it, we were the best team. We had some bad moments but we always come back and fight to improve.”
