Marcus Rashford has become the center of attention in Barcelona’s preparation for their upcoming La Liga clash against Athletic Bilbao. The English star was seen leaving training early, sparking questions about his fitness and availability.
The incident occurred on Friday morning local time at Barcelona’s training facility, just a day before the Catalan giants host Athletic Bilbao at Spotify Camp Nou. The early departure has raised eyebrows within the team, especially since Rashford also failed to complete his training session the day before.
On Thursday, Rashford had an authorized absence from training, but his inability to finish consecutive sessions has caused increasing concern among the coaching staff and fans alike.
What Happened During Barcelona Training?
Rashford did arrive at the training ground on Friday, but after a brief conversation with head coach Hansi Flick, he left before completing the full session. The decision appeared to be precautionary, aiming to avoid aggravating his condition ahead of the match against Bilbao.
According to journalist Samuel Marsden, the issue Rashford is facing is not a severe injury. Sources report that the forward is suffering from the flu.
Given the tight schedule leading up to Saturday’s match (22/11/2025), the club believes it is unlikely Rashford will feature in the squad. Barcelona are keen not to risk fielding him in an unfit condition, prioritizing his health for medium-term availability instead.
Why Two Consecutive Training Absences Are Concerning
Rashford’s inability to complete training for two consecutive days is concerning, particularly as it comes immediately after the international break. The forward recently returned to Barcelona following duty with England, where he contributed an assist in a 2-0 win against Albania.
While his absence is a setback for Barcelona, the coaching staff seem to be taking a cautious approach. Protecting Rashford’s fitness now could prevent more serious issues later in the season, especially as he plays a key role in both La Liga and European competitions.
Positive Updates: Three Barcelona Players Return to Full Training
Despite the concerns surrounding Rashford, there were bright spots in Friday’s session. Barcelona welcomed back three players who had previously faced fitness issues, and all participated fully without restrictions.
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Joan Garcia has returned to normal training, providing more defensive options for the backline.
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Raphinha is also back in full training, boosting Barcelona’s attacking versatility.
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Marc Casado, the young midfielder, has rejoined the squad, adding depth to the central midfield and increasing tactical flexibility for Hansi Flick.
The return of these players offers Barcelona additional options ahead of the match against Athletic Bilbao, even as Rashford’s availability remains uncertain.
Looking Ahead to the Bilbao Match
With Rashford doubtful, Barcelona may need to adjust their attacking strategy, relying on Raphinha and other forwards to lead the line. Hansi Flick will likely take a cautious approach, prioritizing team balance and fitness management while ensuring the squad is competitive against a resilient Athletic Bilbao side.
Fans will be watching closely to see if Rashford can recover in time or if Barcelona must adapt without their English star. Regardless, the game promises to be a tactical and physical test, with both teams eager to claim three points in La Liga.
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