When will Marcus Rashford return to action for Barcelona after injury?

Barcelona will be without Marcus Rashford for Thursday night’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atlético Madrid after the forward sustained a knee injury in the recent league meeting with Real Mallorca, the club confirmed today.

Coach Hansi Flick labelled the setback “not good news,” particularly with fellow attacker Raphinha also unavailable, but medical staff are confident the England international’s absence will be brief. According to Diario Sport, Rashford has been left out of the match-day squad purely as a precaution after reporting lingering discomfort, and he completed a gym session on Thursday morning.

Club medics believe the 26-year-old will rejoin full group training on Friday, raising hopes that he could be in contention for Monday’s La Liga visit to Girona. The decision to err on the side of caution reflects both the packed calendar and Rashford’s influential form since arriving at the Camp Nou.

While his immediate future remains the subject of speculation off the pitch, teammates have been quick to praise his impact, with one defender this week calling him “one of the best strikers in the world.” Barça will now look to negotiate the Atlético tie without their marquee January recruit before potentially welcoming him back for the league clash at Montilivi.