Raphinha Injury Boosts Rashford's Role at Barcelona

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has highlighted an opportunity for loanee forward Marcus Rashford to reclaim a starting role following Raphinha's hamstring injury, as the Spanish club weighs a decision on making the Englishman's move permanent ahead of a June 15 deadline.

Raphinha, Barcelona's second-top scorer this season, sustained the injury during a friendly match with Brazil against France last week and will be sidelined until May. The absence comes at a critical juncture, with Barcelona facing Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Saturday and the Champions League quarterfinal first leg against the same opponent on Wednesday. The Brazilian winger will miss several league fixtures and the European tie, prompting Flick to adjust his attacking options.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Flick expressed support for Rashford, who joined on a season-long loan from Manchester United last summer. "I'm happy with Marcus. He's performed well," Flick said. "In the last weeks he had some problems, he was injured and we have to take care of that. It's a big chance for him to show his quality again, but also we have other options." The coach noted that midfielder Fermin Lopez and the returning Gavi...