The reality is two of the players are unavailable due to injuries. For Pedri, he is still dealing with a muscle injury in his right hamstring. His return date is scheduled for February 22, for the match against Levante. Pedri suffered the injury after the match against Slavia Praha on January 21st.

As for Rashford, he is nursing a knee injury. Per manager Hansi Flick, “Marcus is feeling better.” However, the German coach won’t risk him until he is fully fit to come back to play. He is scheduled to come back on the same date as Pedri, according to Rotowire. Lewandowski is on the bench due to a tactical decision by Hansi Flick.

Both Rashford and Pedri’s absences by the numbers

Rashford has started 13 of 21 games where he’s played. He has 10 G+A this year in LaLiga. That translates to 0.72 goal involvements per 90 minutes played. Rashford is a very reliable option for Barcelona as well. He can play wide left, wide right, or as a classic number nine.

Pedri’s numbers are not as flashy, as he has just seven G+A in LaLiga this season, though he has played in 16 games. However, Pedri’s relevance goes way beyond just his output. He has made the LaLiga ‘Team of the Week‘ four times, and creates big chances, as he averages 2.4 key passes per game and completes 91% of his passes.

Are Girona a threat to Barcelona?

Girona shouldn’t be much of a dangerous opponent to Barça. As a matter of fact, Girona are 15th on the table and battling relegation. They haven’t won in three games, and have the third-worst home record in Spain this season. At home, they’ve conceded 18 goals and scored just 10 in 11 games.

Hence, Barcelona should be able to get three points, as they are the second-best away team in LaLiga. Barcelona have won eight and tied one game out of the 12 played away from their stadium. When being the visiting side, Barcelona have scored 29 goals, though they have received 18. Still, having Lewandowski as an option straight from the bench is a luxury many teams would love to have, just in case Barça need a clinical striker to solve any offensive issues.

Raphinha continues to recover from a right adductor strain that kept him sidelined during Barcelona’s recent victories over Albacete in the cup and Mallorca in LaLiga. The club expect his recovery to take approximately one week, meaning the Brazilian winger should be available for the upcoming league match against Girona.

“He is a player who always gives everything, always plays with such intensity. When he feels something, we have to take care of him and perhaps take a step back,” Flick said of Raphinha during his pre-match press conference. “That is the situation right now. Of course, I am not happy about it because we need him“.

As for the English forward, Barcelona confirmed that he sustained a knock and will not feature tonight. “First-team player Marcus Rashford has pain in his left knee after taking a blow in the game against Mallorca on Saturday at Spotify Camp Nou. The player will miss Thursday’s Copa del Rey game against Atletico Madrid,” the club stated in an official release.

Finally, midfielder Pedri remains in the rehabilitation phase after suffering a muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his right leg during a Champions League encounter against Slavia Praha. The club has indicated he will be out for roughly a month, with a target return date of February 22 against Levante.

Barcelona welcome back a vital cog

It isn’t all bad news for Flick, as the German manager will have Frenkie de Jong at his disposal for this high-pressure semifinal. The Dutch midfielder missed the previous match against Mallorca due to pubalgia discomfort but has since returned to full training. He is expected to start in the heart of the pitch tonight.

While Barcelona boast a deep squad, the absence of three starters forces Flick to shuffle his lineup. Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres are all projected to start as the Catalan giants look to overcome the hostile atmosphere in Madrid.

Rashford’s first goal came in the 58th minute when he connected with a perfectly placed cross from Jules Kounde, heading the ball into the back of the net. His second strike was a moment of brilliance, holding the ball outside the box before smashing it off the crossbar and in.

With this brace, Rashford joined the list of Barcelona players to score twice in England in a Champions League match — a group that includes Messi and other legends of the game. Here is the full list:

• Ronaldinho in 2005 (vs. Chelsea)
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2010 (vs. Arsenal)
• Luis Suarez in 2015 (vs. Manchester City)
• Lionel Messi in 2016 (vs. Arsenal)
• Lionel Messi in 2018 (vs. Tottenham)
• Marcus Rashford in 2025 (vs. Newcastle)

Which brace was the most important?

Evaluating the importance of a Barcelona player scoring a brace in England during the Champions League is fascinating, as the list features some of the greatest talents in club history. Each moment carries its own significance, but one performance stands out above the rest for its context and impact on Barcelona’s path to glory.

Luis Suarez’s brace against Manchester City in 2015 was arguably the most significant. The 2014-15 season was pivotal, with Barcelona still shaping the style that would take them to a historic second treble under Luis Enrique. The round of 16 matchup with Manchester City was seen as a massive test, with the Premier League powerhouse considered a major contender in Europe. A poor result in the first leg in England could have derailed Barcelona’s confidence at a crucial stage of the season.

The Uruguayan forward rose to the occasion. Suarez’s two goals not only secured a vital 2-1 win for Barcelona but also showcased his predatory instincts and relentless work rate, completely dismantling City’s defense. His performance was the catalyst that propelled Barcelona through the knockout rounds, giving them the belief and momentum they needed.

Suarez’s brace remains the most important because it marked the moment Barcelona hit peak form during a historic season. His display was more than just a personal milestone — it was a turning point that set the club on course to complete their second-ever treble.

On Wednesday, the Catalan side confirmed the signing via its official channels: “FC Barcelona and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the loan of the player Marcus Rashford until 30 June 2026. The agreement also establishes an option to buy the English forward.”

The announcement was also shared by Rashford on his personal Instagram account, where Garnacho replied. “Let’s gooooo,” wrote the Argentine winger, along with two saluting face emojis, expressing his excitement for his former teammate’s new destination.

Garnacho’s reaction drew attention not just because of his relationship with Rashford—whom he played alongside at Old Trafford from 2022 to 2024—but also because it fueled speculation about his own future. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano highlighted the comment and noted that this comes “while he’s also prepared to leave Man United this summer.”

Garnacho reportedly turned down chance to play with Ronaldo

Alejandro Garnacho has repeatedly spoken about his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, which is evident in his playing style and goal celebrations that often mimic the Portuguese star. The two shared a brief stint at Manchester United before Ronaldo’s departure to Saudi Arabia at the end of 2022.

This summer, rumors emerged suggesting that Garnacho could join Al Nassr for the upcoming season. But according to Mundo Deportivo, the young winger declined the opportunity, prioritizing staying in Europe to maintain top-level competition—especially with his place in the Argentina squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 still uncertain.

In this context, head coach Ruben Amorim excluded Garnacho from Manchester United’s squad for their U.S. tour, which kicks off Saturday with a friendly against West Ham United. With his exit from the club appearing imminent, clubs reportedly interested in signing him include Tottenham, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid.

Garnacho’s numbers

Since making his professional debut in April 2022 at just 17 years old, Garnacho has played 144 matches for Manchester United across the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Champions League, and Europa League, scoring 26 goals.

For much of his three-year spell with the Red Devils, Alejandro was seen as one of the club’s brightest young talents—performances that eventually earned him a call-up to the Argentina national team. He made his official debut in June 2023 and secured a spot in the 2024 Copa America, where Argentina were crowned champions. However, in subsequent call-ups, he has fallen out of favor with head coach Lionel Scaloni.

Marcus Rashford’s arrival at FC Barcelona marks one of the summer’s most intriguing moves. The English forward trades Old Trafford for Camp Nou, seeking to reignite his form in a club rebuilding its soccer identity.

For Barça, this move is about more than filling a position. It reflects a strategic bet on his potential while navigating La Liga’s financial constraints to strengthen their attacking options.

As he takes the field in Spain, he enters a crucial phase of his career. His performances could shape both his personal future and determine whether this short-term stay evolves into a lasting chapter.

What is Marcus Rashford’s salary with FC Barcelona?

Marcus Rashford has agreed to a significant salary reduction—accepting around €14 million gross annually (approximately 15% less per week) to make the loan move to Barcelona possible, as Sports Illustrated reported. That places him just behind the club’s top earners like Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.

Originally earning upwards of £16–17 million per season at Manchester United, he willingly gave up earnings so Barcelona could register him under La Liga’s strict financial limits. His last season at Villa saw clubs cover most of his original pay—but now Barça has agreed to shoulder his reduced full salary.

Despite the pay cut, his salary still ranks among the highest in the squad—just slightly lower than Raphinha’s €14.6 M—and reflects both his ambitious career move and Barcelona’s willingness to recalibrate its payroll for a player they value highly.

Marcus Rashford’s contract: How long will he stay in Barcelona?

Marcus Rashford has joined FC Barcelona on a season-long loan for 2025–26, with an option to buy reportedly priced around €30–35 million. The deal paves the way for a further chapter in Spain if Barça chooses to make it permanent.

The agreement includes they paying his reduced salary entirely, while freeing Manchester United of the financial burden. The commitment is loan-based, with no guaranteed permanent move unless activated.

While Manchester United still holds the contract until 2028, his short-term arrival at Camp Nou is aimed at revitalizing his career under Hansi Flick’s system and potentially unlocking full compliance with La Liga’s financial fair play regulations.

According to Toni Juanmarti of Diario Sport, FC Barcelona is exploring a loan deal for Marcus Rashford in the upcoming winter transfer window, with the agreement running until June 30, 2025. This opportunity arises as Manchester United‘s coach, Rubem Amorim, reportedly sees limited use for Rashford, making a loan move plausible. Barcelona has returned to the 1:1 financial rule, allowing the club to spend as much as it earns in transfers, a scenario not seen in years. However, to accommodate Rashford, Barcelona must create salary margin. Some players such as Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, and Ansu Fati are potential departures in this window.

Juventus has shown interest in central defender Ronald Araujo, with Italian outlet La Repubblica reporting ongoing negotiations. Meanwhile, Ansu Fati’s exclusion from the squad against Athletic Bilbao signals that Hansi Flick does not consider him a core part of his plans, opening the door for a possible loan move.

Marcus Rashford joining FC Barcelona would be a smart move for the club, both financially and tactically. Arriving on loan minimizes risk, as he could depart like Joao Felix if he does not adapt. His presence would offer valuable competition and an alternative to Raphinha and Lamine Yamal throughout the demanding season. With Pau Victor, Ferran Torres, and Ansu Fati not fully trusted by Hansi Flick, Rashford could provide a reliable option off the bench while working to regain his best form. His versatility and experience make him an ideal addition to strengthen the squad’s depth.

Marcus Rashford has shined at Manchester United despite facing criticism

Marcus Rashford made his first-team debut for Manchester United in the 2015/16 season and has since amassed 138 goals and 63 assists, a remarkable tally. To put this into perspective, Cristiano Ronaldo, a club legend, recorded 145 goals and 64 assists during his time at United, figures strikingly similar to Rashford’s. Notably, Rashford achieved this despite the club’s years of instability, which hindered his development.

Rashford’s peak performance came in the 2022/23 season, when he delivered 30 goals and 9 assists. His versatility shone as he excelled in both the left-wing position, contributing 17 goals, and as a center forward, adding another 11 goals. These impressive numbers underline his ability to perform effectively in multiple roles.

If FC Barcelona secures Rashford and helps him rediscover his 2022/23 form, they could gain an outstanding striker capable of revitalizing their attack in two key positions. His arrival could also push Ferran Torres to elevate his game, creating healthy competition that benefits the entire team. Rashford’s signing could be a strategic move to bolster the squad’s depth and quality.

“When people at the club are losing jobs…we have to put standards really high. The way you train is really important,” Amorim said, in a clear message for both players after the Manchester derby.

Amorim’s arrival follows several instances where certain players’ attitudes were criticized in the media. Now in charge of the dressing room, he has set clear expectations and demands a much higher level of commitment from all players.

He implied that Rashford and Garnacho had not been training at the required level: “New week, new life. If they train well, they will compete for a place in the team. We need Rashford and Garnacho. It was not a disciplinary thing. We have to improve our standards inside and outside the pitch,” Amorim said.

Manchester United players improving under Amorim

While he has established strict rules in the locker room, Amorim has not punished the players but instead emphasized that no one is guaranteed a place in the squad if they fail to perform at the highest level.

Everything points to Amorim’s new rules being well received by the squad, with individual performances seeing a noticeable improvement. Players now understand that hard work and quality training are rewarded, increasing their chances of starting or earning more minutes on the field.

Those whose performances had previously fallen short, such as Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, and Casemiro, have all raised their game and become highly competitive once again.

Which changes has Amorim implemented at Man United?

In addition to the changes in rules and expectations within the dressing room, Rubem Amorim has implemented the same tactical system he used at Sporting Lisbon: a 3-4-2-1 formation.

The primary goal of this setup is to strengthen Manchester United’s defense, an area that has long been a weakness for the club. Currently, the defensive trio consists of Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs de Ligt. The speed and intelligence of Martinez and De Ligt have significantly enhanced Maguire’s performance, allowing him to look more comfortable. As a result, he has become a key figure in the team’s build-up play, with his exceptional passing vision proving vital in initiating attacks.

The midfield consists of four players, including two wingers, Diogo Dalot or Tyrell Malacia, and Noussair Mazraoui. These two players have a challenging role, as they are key to the offense, occupying the entire wing. However, they also contribute defensively, helping to press after losing possession. The two central midfielders change depending on the match, with Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Bruno Fernandes all featuring heavily in the seven games coached by Rubem. The only player who seems to be struggling is Christian Eriksen.

Up front, the attacking trio includes Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee, Amad Diallo. Rashford or Garnacho have also been used, except this weekend. Meanwhile, Mason Mount has integrated well into the rotation, playing a versatile role similar to Bruno Fernandes. He rotates between midfield and attack, becoming a key contributor in both areas.

These tactical adjustments have been a resounding success, with Manchester United not only improving their overall performance but also climbing in the Premier League standings.

Marcus Rashford, star in English soccer, has captivated fans with his versatile skills on the pitch. Primarily known for his prowess as a natural left winger, Rashford’s adaptability extends across the front line, where he seamlessly transitions to both right wing and center forward positions, leveraging his height and exceptional ball control.

A mainstay at Manchester United for several seasons, Rashford’s career has seen its share of highs and lows. His impact on the England national team was particularly notable during the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where he netted an impressive 3 goals. His absence in subsequent matches has been keenly felt, leaving a void in England’s attack alongside stars like Bellingham, Kane, and Foden, who could benefit from his playmaking and dynamic style.

Marcus Rashford out of the final game against Spain

Marcus Rashford will be notably absent from the upcoming game, continuing a trend that began during the European Championship, as confirmed by coach Gareth Southgate‘s tactical decisions. This sidelining follows a season marked by Rashford’s diminished performance, netting only 8 goals across 43 games, falling well below his usual standards.

Further complicating matters, Rashford faced disciplinary actions in January under Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag, stemming from an incident where he missed a training session after attending a nightclub. These disciplinary issues, coupled with concerns over his physical condition and intensified competition in his position, ultimately led to his omission from the squad.

Another of the outstanding data for Rashford is his goal average of 0.28 goals per 90 minutes played. Placing him in 74th place out of 446 players in the Premier League who have played at least 30 games.

Rashford has amassed 60 caps since making his England debut under Roy Hodgson in 2016, the 26-year-old’s omission from Southgate’s preliminary selections is an unexpected twist. Rashford has been a constant presence in England teams for the last four major tournaments.

Marcus Rashford out of Euro 2024

Marcus Rashford is not part of the England squad in the Euro 2024 round of 16 against Slovakia due to decisions made by coach Gareth Southgate. Although Rashford has been a key figure in the past, he was not called up for the tournament this time around. The reason behind his absence is due to several factors such as poor performance in the season.

His “lack of fitness” could also have influenced Southgate’s decision. In January, Rashford was disciplined by Erik ten Hag after missing training after attending a nightclub the night before.

Despite his absence, Rashford has been an important asset to England in the past, and his contribution in the Euro 2024 qualifiers was significant. However, on this occasion, Southgate opted for other options instead.

In addition to the historical rivalry in the derby, the moment is crucial in the race for the title. Pep Guardiola and his players are chasing Liverpool for first place, while Erik ten Hag’s squad wants to reach a ticket to European competitions for next year.

In the 8th minute, Marcus Rashford revisited his glory days with an impressive shot that beat goalkeeper Ederson. The ball entered, brushing the post near the right angle, unleashing madness among the Red Devils’ fans.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony, scheduled for Monday, recognizes the best player in the world during the year as the primary individual award to be handed. However, it’s not the only trophy distributed in the ceremony.

Other achievements, such as the best goal, are also possible. But one prestigious mention has nothing to do with football. This is the Socrates Award, introduced last year to honor players for their off-the-field efforts.

The Socrates Award, named after the Brazilian legend was created to highlight players who use their resources to help in social and environmental causes, making a positive impact beyond the game.

Socrates Award Nominees

This year’s nominees have very famous names in it. The first nominee is American icon Alex Morgan, nominated for her work at the Alex Morgan Foundation. Another potential winner is Asisat Oshoala, recognized for the Oshoala Academy.

The remaining players have links to great clubs in the world. Marcus Rashford has been vocal about social problems, and the star was nominated for initiating the Child Food Poverty Task Force to help kids get proper nutrition.

Another worldwide player is Vinicius Jr., who appears in this list for his Instituto Vini Jr.. The remaining player is Antonio Rüdiger, acknowledged for his efforts in the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation he inaugurated to help people in Sierra Leone.

Who Was the First Winner of the Socrates Award?

Sadio Mane won the Socrates Award in 2022 when he became the first winner of the valuable distinction.