Why Marcus Rashford Might Miss Barcelona’s La Liga Opening Match

Barcelona’s club president, Joan Laporta, has indicated that some of the team’s recent summer signings may not be registered in time to play in the upcoming La Liga opener. This situation could see Marcus Rashford, who joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United last month, potentially sitting out the first game against Mallorca.

Rashford has already made four appearances for Barcelona during their pre-season, including a 5-0 victory over Como. However, due to registration delays, he and other new signings like Roony Bardghji and Wojciech Szczesny are still awaiting official clearance to join the squad for competitive matches.

Laporta confirmed that the club has succeeded in registering new goalkeeper Joan Garcia after settling a dispute with Marc-Andre ter Stegen over contract and registration issues. He stated, “We’re working to make it happen,” expressing hope that by the start of La Liga next week, the team will have finalized registration for Rashford and others. If not, there is still time to resolve the matter.

Additionally, Ter Stegen had been temporarily stripped of his captaincy following disagreements over his medical leave after back surgery. The club managed to resolve the dispute, allowing him to be reinstated as captain. Laporta praised Ter Stegen’s contribution and leadership, emphasizing his long-term value to the team.

Barcelona has historically faced challenges registering new players due to financial constraints. Last season, they encountered registration issues with Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, which delayed their official integration into the squad despite initial licenses. The club continues to navigate these financial hurdles to build their team effectively.

In summary, while Rashford’s inclusion for the season opener remains uncertain, Barcelona is actively working to ensure all players are registered in time, aiming for a smooth start to their La Liga campaign.