Barcelona have received a major injury blow ahead of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid, with Marcus Rashford confirmed to be unavailable. The England international sustained a knock to his left knee during Saturday’s La Liga victory over Mallorca and did not recover in time for the trip to Madrid.
The club issued a statement confirming the situation “The first team player Marcus Rashford has pain in his left knee after taking a blow in the game against Mallorca on Saturday at Spotify Camp Nou. The player will miss Thursday’s Copa del Rey game against Atlético Madrid.” While no return date was provided, missing such a key match highlights the seriousness of the injury.
Rashford has become a pivotal figure in Barcelona’s attack since joining on loan from Manchester United. His absence represents a significant loss for the team as they prepare to face a tough and well-organized Atletico Madrid side in a high-stakes cup tie.
Impact on Barcelona’s Attack
Rashford’s injury leaves a noticeable gap on the left flank of Barcelona’s forward line. Known for his pace, direct running, and ability to cut inside, Rashford has been essential in breaking down stubborn defences this season. Without him, Barcelona must rethink their attacking approach against Atletico’s disciplined backline.
His link-up play with Robert Lewandowski has been a hallmark of Barca’s offensive strategy. Losing this connection forces manager Hansi Flick to adjust his tactics just hours before kick-off, weighing the options of a like-for-like replacement or a broader formation change to maintain balance.
This setback comes at a critical stage of the season. Barcelona are competing on multiple fronts, including the league title race, and missing a key attacker like Rashford disrupts the rhythm of the team and reduces scoring options in decisive moments.
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Raphinha Doubt Worsens Winger Crisis
Adding to Barcelona’s attacking worries, Brazilian winger Raphinha is also doubtful for the semi-final. The former Leeds United player has been struggling with a muscular overload and has not returned to full first-team training. He remains a major question mark ahead of the tie.
Raphinha himself admitted he is improving but is not ready for competitive action yet. “I’m feeling better, we’re taking it day by day,” he said. “I can’t lie, I’d love to say I can play on Thursday, but I’m cutting it a bit close.” If both Rashford and Raphinha are absent, Barcelona’s offensive depth will be severely tested.
The loss of Raphinha’s creativity on the right, combined with Rashford’s absence on the left, means other players must step up to carry the attacking burden. Flick may need to rely on secondary options or adjust his system to compensate for the missing star wingers.
Atletico Madrid Sensing Opportunity
Atletico Madrid will see Barcelona’s injury issues as a perfect opportunity to frustrate the visitors. Diego Simeone’s side are known for their defensive resilience and lethal counter-attacks, making them a tough opponent even at full strength.
Thursday’s first leg at the Metropolitano promises to be an intense encounter. Barcelona, despite winning 17 of their last 18 games and holding a six-match winning streak, will need composure and tactical discipline to secure a positive result away from home.
Flick’s team faces a real test of character without two of their most potent attacking weapons. The semi-final clash will not only test Barcelona’s squad depth but also their ability to adapt under pressure and maintain momentum in both the cup and league competitions. Keep following other interesting football discussions only on footballcoasters.co.uk.