Barcelona has been handed a boost ahead of their Champions League tie against Chelsea with the inclusion of Marcus Rashford, who is “fully fit and available” after recovering from flu, and the return of Raphinha, who joins the squad having already registered six goals and nine assists in 16 appearances this season.
Barcelona has been handed a significant boost with the inclusion of Marcus Rashford and the return of Raphinha in the 22-man travelling squad for their Champions League clash against Chelsea, according to a report from the Standard.
Rashford, who is on a season-long loan from Manchester United, had been sidelined with flu, forcing him to miss Saturday’s 4-0 LaLiga win over 10-man Athletic Club—Barcelona’s first game back at the renovated Camp Nou since May 2023.
He has now been declared “fully fit and available” and will hope to start, having registered six goals and nine assists in 16 appearances across all competitions this season.
Recent reports suggest Barcelona has already been convinced to trigger their option to sign him permanently for around £30million at the end of the season.
Manager Hansi Flick’s attacking options are further bolstered by the return of Raphinha, who made his comeback off the bench at the weekend after two months out with a thigh injury.
Left-back Alejandro Balde has also traveled, with his half-time substitution on Saturday following a head knock confirmed as precautionary.
However, Barcelona will be without Pedri (hamstring tear) and Gavi (serious knee injury requiring surgery in September), alongside goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen.
Midfielder Frenkie de Jong is set to return after missing the Athletic Club win through suspension.