Barcelona president provides update on Marcus Rashford's availability ahead of LaLiga opener

Nick McGee

Barcelona president provides update on Marcus Rashford's availability ahead of LaLiga opener image

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has suggested Marcus Rashford is free to make his debut for the club when they begin their LaLiga title defence against Mallorca on Saturday.

Rashford secured a dream move to Barca last month, the Blaugrana signing him on a season-long loan from Manchester United with an option to make the move permanent.

However, the restrictions placed on Barca by LaLiga amid their well-documented financial problems have made it difficult for them to register new players.

Rashford was still not registered by the time coach Hansi Flick sat down for his press conference on Friday. 

However, Laporta, in quotes reported by Mundo Deportivo, told a Barcelona supporters club in Mallorca: "If Flick wants, Joan Garcia and Rashford can play tomorrow."

Goalkeeper Garcia, who was signed from Espanyol, had been in the same situation. However, it was previously reported that his registration had been confirmed after it was ruled Barca could use the salary space meant for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen on Garcia.

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According to the report in Mundo Deportivo, Barca have submitted all the paperwork to register Rashford and are waiting for the green light from LaLiga.

Flick's fury over Rashford issue

Asked about the problem with registering Rashford in his press conference, Flick made no effort to hide his irritation.

"For me, the situation, you can imagine I'm not happy about that. But I know the situation and I believe in the club," Flick said.

"We will focus on what we can change and what is in our hands. The other things, I believe in the club."

That belief appears to have been vindicated, seemingly freeing Rashford up to try to make an immediate impact and help get Barca's title defence off on the right foot.

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Nick McGee

Nick McGee is a writer and sub-editor for The Sporting News. Nick has worked in sports media for more than a decade covering everything from football to F1 and beyond. He specialises particularly in US Sports as a passionate San Francisco 49ers fan, and has covered several Super Bowls.