Barcelona hit by fresh injury blow as Rashford sits out before Atletico Madrid clash

Injury blow for Barcelona ahead of Atletico Madrid

Barcelona has suffered another setback ahead of its Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano on Thursday.

The club confirmed that England forward Marcus Rashford will miss the clash with a knee problem, a blow that could affect manager Hans Flick's plans.

Barca said Rashford's absence is precautionary after an injury sustained versus Mallorca.

Rafinha is also ruled out due to a thigh issue, though the Brazilian winger has been training intensely in the gym in the hope of returning soon, possibly for the league visit to Girona on Monday.

Rafinha had already missed matches against Alavés and Mallorca due to an inner-thigh muscle injury in his right leg, forcing him to leave at halftime of the league game in Elche as a precaution.

The club initially indicated a 10-day absence, which would have aligned with the Atletico Madrid matchday, but recovery has been slower than expected and a return date remains uncertain.

The report cites Barca's official statement on X, stating Rashford suffers a left knee pain from the Mallorca clash and is being rested as a precaution.

If Rafinha recovers, Barca hope to field a stronger lineup for the league game against Girona.

Barcelona's next fixtures and Rafinha's progress will determine how much blood the squad can shed in Madrid.

Sniper joke: If injuries were a transfer window, Barca would have signed a full medical staff this week to cover every bench.

Sniper joke 2: And given the calendar's mercy, the only thing more predictable than Barca's injury list is the locker-room coffee getting cold waiting for players to return.