Marcus Rashford Ready To Return To Barcelona To Face Chelsea

JAKARTA - Marcus Rashford have recovered from the flu on time to return to England this week in London's Champions League match against Chelsea.

The 28-year-old was absent when Barcelona returned to Camp Nou on Saturday, November 22, 2025 - as they won 4-0 over Athletic Club at LaLiga - after not being able to train a few days ahead of the match.

However, he returned to training with his teammates on Sunday and Monday (23 and 24 November 2025). He will be part of Hansi Flick's squad at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, early morning WIB.

The loan striker from Manchester United looked stunning in Europe for Barcelona this season, scoring four goals, including two away goals at Newcastle United, and providing one assist in four appearances.

In total, he has scored six goals and eight assists in 16 games in all competitions for the Blaugrana.

His availability made it difficult for Flick to choose a player because the German also saw several key players had recovered from injury.

Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal are the front lines trio against Athletic, while Raphinha returned as substitutes in the second half after a two-month absence from injury.

With Rashford's return, Flick now has five players for just three positions even though he also sometimes plays Raphinha as attacking midfielder.

Goalkeeper Joan Garcia also returned on the weekend after a two-month absence, helping Barcelona record their first clean-sheet since September 2025. However, Pedri, Gavi, and Marc Andre ter Stegen are still absent.

Pedri is likely to return on the weekend when Alaves travel to Camp Nou, but Gavi and Ter Stegen will not be back in the near future.

The trip to London on Wednesday offered Barcelona a chance to bounce back from the disappointing 3-3 draw at Club Brugge's home in the Champions League earlier this month.

Like Chelsea, they currently have seven points from four games, placing them in 11th place in the standings.

Victory this week will bring them one step closer to securing the top eight.

Apart from that, Barcelona are also close to reaching a new long-term contract agreement with Eric Garcia.

Garcia's contract is due to expire next summer, but positive talks have been going on in recent weeks and an agreement will be reached soon.

The former Manchester City defender has grown into a key player under Hansi Flick this season, performing brilliantly as a centre-back, right-back, and even defensive midfielder.

Garcia will be the latest player in a long series called ESPN as a strategic contract extension, having previously extended his cooperation period with players such as Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong.

Deco's next decision is now focused on Robert Lewandowski and Andreas Christensen.

After Garcia renews his contract, they will be the only permanent members in the squad at the moment whose term ends in 2026.