The FC Barcelona squad returned to work on Sunday with their sights set on the visit to Chelsea next Tuesday (9:00 PM CEST). The starting players from the match against Athletic (4-0) underwent the usual recovery session, while the substitutes and the rest of the available players trained under Hansi Flick's instructions

The main novelty was the return of Marcus Rashford, who missed the clash against the Basques due to flu symptoms. The '14' had a fever and general malaise, which is why he was absent from training on Thursday and Friday, the first with the full squad after the international break.

Flick will be able to count on Rashford in his XI against Chelsea

'Rashy' played 62 minutes against Serbia (2-0) and another 15' against Albania with England (0-2), but was left out of LaLiga matchday 13 due to his viral illness. Now, the winger will get back to full fitness to face **a Chelsea side to which he has already scored 6 goals in 21 matches** in English football, with Manchester United and Aston Villa.

So far in the 25/26 season, Marcus has 6 goals and 8 assists in 16 games. In the Champions League, the Englishman scored a brace against Newcastle and another pair of goals against Olympiacos. Taking advantage of his experience in a difficult field like Stamford Bridge, it is very likely that Flick will once again trust the 28-year-old forward as a starter for matchday 5 of the league phase.

The decision, however, will not be easy, as both Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres scored on Saturday against Athletic. The 'Shark', in fact, scored a brace playing in the left-wing position where Rashford has performed best in the first three months of the season.

Raphinha will also be available in London, but will again remain on the bench. The Brazilian played ten minutes on Saturday in his return to action after almost a month out with a right thigh injury. Therefore, he will likely need several more days to regain competitive rhythm.

Pedri remains on the sidelines, but is not ruled out for Chelsea-Barça

The outlook is less clear with **Pedri González**. The midfielder has been recovering well from his left hamstring injury, but he is still not training on the pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva. In this regard, 'SPORT' assures that the coaching staff will meet with him on Monday to decide whether the '8' will travel with the team to England.

In any case, if he is called up, the Canary Islander will be a substitute. Hansi Flick will have Frenkie de Jong back, who was suspended for the match against Athletic, and could opt for a double pivot at Stamford Bridge. Eric García and Marc Casadó are the available alternatives to accompany the Dutchman, with the '17' being the most sensible choice.

Casadó was a substitute on Saturday after missing the match against Celta due to a muscular issue. His rest in matchday 13 of the league (he played 25 minutes) could be a sign of his return to the starting XI against Chelsea, although Eric had a good game on Saturday as a defensive midfielder (he provided an assist). In that case, the 'sacrificed' player would be **Dani Olmo**, while **Fermín López** should remain as an attacking midfielder.