Flick Confirms Barcelona Lineup Updates Ahead Of Atletico Madrid Showdown

‎Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick, revealed that winger Marcus Rashford has a “big chance” to make an impact with Raphinha sidelined ahead of Saturday’s LaLiga clash against Atletico Madrid.

‎The Brazilian star is out until May with a hamstring injury, creating an opportunity for Rashford.

‎The England forward, on loan from Manchester United, had shone earlier in the season but has seen limited game time in recent weeks.

‎”I said it before, I’m happy with Marcus. He’s performed well. In the last weeks, he had some problems, he was injured and we have to take care of that,” Flick told reporters Friday.

‎The German coach said Rashford would still be battling with other players for the chance to play in Raphinha’s stead.

‎”It’s a big chance for him to show (his quality) again, but also we have other options,” he continued.

‎”Fermin (Lopez) can play there, Gavi can also play there, I’m really happy that Gavi is back on the level he’s showing in training.”

‎Barcelona has an option to buy Rashford for 30 million euros from Manchester United, but has not yet decided if they will activate it.

‎Flick explained that he allowed Raphinha a few days in Brazil to be with his family, hoping to lift his spirits after the hamstring injury he suffered in last week’s friendly against France.

‎The winger will miss multiple league matches as well as Barcelona’s upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid, with the first leg scheduled for Wednesday.

‎”It’s not the best moment for this injury, for us, for him, and he was sad about this,” said Flick.

‎”I FaceTimed with him, he was very disappointed, he was down… I gave him some days in Brazil with his family to clear his mind.”

‎Flick confirmed that defenders Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, and Eric Garcia are fit to play against Atletico at the Metropolitano, while midfielder Frenkie de Jong remains sidelined.

‎Barcelona will face Atletico three times over 11 days and had previously fallen to Diego Simeone’s side in the Copa del Rey semi-finals earlier this season.