Rashford and Raphina during a Match in Camp Nou
Barcelona will be without both left wingers, Marcus Rashford and Raphinha, for Thursday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.
Rashford missed training on Wednesday after picking up a knee injury in Barcelona’s 3–0 La Liga win over Real Mallorca. Raphinha remains out with a thigh strain.
Head coach Hansi Flick confirmed Rashford will not play, calling the setback “painful” but urged his team to adapt.
“Marcus is not able to play. He got a hit, and it’s painful. We have to take care of this,” Flick said.
The absence weakens Barcelona’s attack ahead of the match at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium, forcing Flick to consider Ferran Torres or Dani Olmo out of position on the left.
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Raphinha’s return remains uncertain, with Flick stressing caution.
“When you feel something, we have to take care and maybe go one step back,” he said.
Barcelona are also without Pedri, Gavi, and Andreas Christensen, all sidelined with long-term injuries.
Away from the pitch, defender Ronald Araujo revealed he has battled anxiety and depression for the past 18 months. Flick praised the defender’s openness and stressed the duty of coaches to protect players’ well being.
“To be open about this, you have to be strong. We are responsible for taking care of our players,” Flick said.
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