Rashford has a ‘big chance’ now that Raphinha is out, says Barcelona coach Flick

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said winger Marcus Rashford has a «big chance» to impress with Raphinha injured ahead of Saturday’s visit to Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

Brazilian international Raphinha will be sidelined until May due to a hamstring injury, opening the door for Rashford.

The English forward, on loan from Manchester United, impressed in the first half of the season but has not played much in recent weeks.

«I’ve said it before, I’m happy with Marcus. He has performed well. In recent weeks he had some problems, he got injured and we have to take care of that,» Flick told reporters on Friday.

The German coach said Rashford would still compete with other players for the chance to play in Raphinha’s place.

“It’s a great opportunity for him to show (his quality) again, but we also have other options,” he continued. «Fermin (Lopez) can play there, Gavi can play there too. I am very happy that Gavi is back at the level he showed in training.»

Barcelona has an option to buy Rashford for 30 million euros (USD 35 million) from Manchester United, but has not yet decided whether to activate it.

READ ALSO | Barcelona’s Raphinha will miss the Champions League quarter-finals due to injury

Flick said he had given Raphinha a few days off to spend with his family in Brazil to cheer him up after his injury suffered in a friendly against France last week.

Raphinha will miss several league matches and the upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid, with the first leg on Wednesday cjky.

“It’s not the best time for this injury, for us, for him, and he was sad about this,” Flick said. «I timed with him, he was very disappointed, he was down… I gave him a few days in Brazil with his family to clear his head.»

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 will face Atletico three times in eleven days and also lost the Copa del Rey semi-final against Diego Simeone. Red and white earlier this season.

Published on April 3, 2026