Marcus Rashford has sparked alarm at FC Barcelona just hours before the team’s return to the Spotify Camp Nou. The English forward, a key piece in Hansi Flick’s project, was unable to complete his preparation ahead of the match against Athletic Club due to a severe flu that forced him to leave the Ciutat Esportiva on two consecutive days. His availability is now in doubt for a match that represents far more than a simple league fixture.

An unexpected absence on the eve of a historic match

According to sources close to the club, Rashford had already been ruled out of Thursday’s training session due to flu-like symptoms. On Friday, he returned early to Sant Joan Despí, but with the same feverish condition. The medical staff advised him to go back home, heightening uncertainty about his participation in Saturday’s clash, a game marked as Barça’s official return to their stadium after more than two years at Montjuïc.

The Englishman had been one of the most reliable players of the season, appearing in every official match and contributing six goals and nine assists. His absence could disrupt Flick’s attacking plan, especially because Raphinha has only just been cleared to return and is not yet at one hundred percent. If Rashford fails to recover in time, all signs point to Ferran Torres taking over the left wing.

Barça approaches this return to Camp Nou with several positive updates: goalkeeper Joan García is back, Raphinha has returned, and Marc Casadó has been cleared to play. However, the team also faces significant absences. Pedri remains sidelined with a biceps femoris injury, and Frenkie de Jong will serve a suspension after being sent off against Celta. The coaching staff will need to rebuild the midfield with Fermín and Dani Olmo.

An improving Athletic side with Nico Williams as the main threat

Athletic Club arrives at Camp Nou with renewed optimism and the confirmed presence of Nico Williams, who scored again at San Mamés despite not being fully fit. His pace and dribbling pose a constant threat to Barça on an afternoon filled with emotional significance for the home crowd.

Ernesto Valverde’s team also recovers Oihan Sancet, although his starting role remains under evaluation. Meanwhile, Iñaki Williams is still out due to injury and will not feature in Barcelona. Even so, Athletic’s structure remains solid with Unai Simón, Vivían, Laporte, Berenguer and Guruzeta forming the core of the team.

With a tight schedule and a long-awaited return to Camp Nou, the uncertainty surrounding Rashford adds extra tension to a matchup that promises intensity, emotion and an atmosphere of reunion between Barça and its fans.