As the title race in La Liga enters the frenetic final stages, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has given the Culers a massive boost. Ahead of tonight’s important home match against Rayo Vallecano at the Spotify Camp Nou, Flick has announced that the English forward Marcus Rashford is now officially 100% fit and ready to play.
Why Rashford Was Sidelined
Rashford's 79-minute playing time during the past four games is not because of tactical plans. It is, however, a deliberate medical decision to keep the player from re-injuring an already injured left knee suffered from a collision with a Mallorca player on February 11. The medical staff at the club made the decision to take the most conservative approach to the injury.
"Marcus had some issues in the last few days and we took care of him," Flick told reporters in his pre-match press conference. "Now he’s back to 100."
Currently leading the La Liga standings by four points and coming off a resounding victory over Newcastle United (7-2) in the Champions League, Flick understands he cannot afford to see Marcus Rashford suffer a setback due to losing an accomplished player for more than a month.
Permanent Move or Old Trafford Return?
Rayo Vallecano is the main focus, but Rashford's next move still hangs in the air. The 28-year-old has bounced back in Catalonia, scoring 10 goals and adding 13 assists this season.
Barcelona has a 26 million option to sign him under the loan deal. Mundo Deportivo reports that Laporta, who just won re-election, wants to activate the clause.
Still, Financial Fair Play rules block the move. A three-part plan with 10m payments is being considered. Flick hasn't said much about what comes after that.
"We need all the players until the end, and we don’t know what will happen after that.
"There's time [to make decisions]. There's the World Cup. I believe in my players. Cancelo, Rashford, and Gerard, they give us quality. And the rest do too. We'll talk at the end and see what happens."
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