Rashford misses his first match with Barcelona: discover the reason

Published New:22/11/2025 - 16:12h

Updated New:22/11/2025 - 16:12h

Marcus Rashford is out for Barça-Athletic in LaLiga Matchday 13. The Englishman played the first 16 games of the 25/26 season, but will not be available for the return to Spotify Camp Nou

FC Barcelona confirmed the absence of Marcus Rashford for matchday 13 of LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26. The English winger, a starter in the last 10 games for Hansi Flick's team, will miss the match against Athletic Club "due to flu symptoms," according to the medical report issued by the club before the game.

'Rashy' was unable to train in Thursday and Friday's sessions for this reason, although he was present at the Ciutat Esportiva on Friday. The '14' played with England against **Serbia** (2-0) and **Albania** (0-2), accumulating 65 and 15 minutes in both appearances, respectively.

However, after his return to Catalonia, he suffered flu-like symptoms that have kept him sidelined for the first time this season. Marcus is the forward with the most minutes on the squad (1,134') and the only one who, until now, had participated in all league (12) and Champions League (4) matches.

When will Rashford play for Barcelona again?

As it is a flu process, Rashford should have no problem traveling to London next Monday and being back against Chelsea, on Tuesday the 25th at Stamford Bridge (21:00 h). The 28-year-old forward has already scored braces against Newcastle (1-2) and Olympiacos (6-1) in the Champions League, in addition to providing a couple of assists in the first four matchdays

Against Chelsea, Marcus scored 6 goals and provided 5 assists in 21 matches for Manchester United. Barring a surprise, the England international should return to the starting lineup, given that Raphinha still needs several days to regain competitive rhythm.

Barça loses Rashford in return to Spotify Camp Nou, but recovers Joan García and Raphinha

For now, Rashford is Barça's assist leader with 8 and has the most goal involvements at the start of the season (14), after scoring 6 goals in his first 16 appearances as a Culer. Against Athletic, Ferran Torres will take his place on the left wing, completing the attacking trident alongside Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski.

Flick, while losing the Englishman for the 13th matchday of LaLiga, welcomes back **Joan García and Raphinha**, both injured since last September 25th during the visit to Oviedo. The goalkeeper will start on his return, while **the Brazilian expects to play 15-20 minutes** in the second half.

The '11' had the most trouble recovering from his right thigh injury. Rapha thought he would be available for the Clásico against Real Madrid, but he relapsed with his hamstring discomfort. Joan, for his part, completed the expected recovery time after undergoing surgery on his left meniscus.