A major setback for the Blaugrana! Marcus Rashford has been officially ruled out of Barcelona’s high-stakes Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano.
The 28-year-old, who has been in scintillating form since joining Barça on loan from Manchester United, sustained a heavy knock to his left knee during the 3–0 victory over Mallorca last weekend. Despite hoping to "shake it off," the club confirmed on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, that the pain is too significant for him to feature.
The Medical Update: "Precautionary" but Painful
The Injury: Barcelona’s medical team described the issue as "discomfort in the left knee derived from a blow."
The Decision: Manager Hansi Flick confirmed the omission in his pre-match press conference, stating: "Marcus isn't ready; he took a knock. It's not good news, but we have to be careful."
Estimated Return: The club is labeling the absence as a "precautionary measure," suggesting it isn't a long-term ligament issue. Insiders believe he could return as early as Monday’s La Liga clash against Girona.
The Verdict: Rashford’s absence is a huge psychological blow for Barcelona, especially given his "clutch" record in big games this season. However, with the second leg at the Spotify Camp Nou still to come, Flick is clearly playing the long game to ensure his star man is fit for the title run-in.