Nou Camp delays push Rashford debut to training ground
New Barcelona signing Marcus Rashford is set to make his home debut this Sunday in a final preseason friendly against Como, though the circumstances aren't quite what the English star might have imagined. The match will take place at Barcelona's training ground rather than their iconic stadium, and his availability for next weekend's La Liga opener remains uncertain.
Ter Stegen Saga Resolved - Rashford's Registration Cleared
The past two weeks have been typically chaotic for Barcelona, with Rashford's arrival overshadowed by several club dramas. The most significant involved goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, whose situation threatened to delay Rashford's league debut.
Ter Stegen, a club legend with over 400 appearances, has battled injuries recently, playing just nine matches last season. Barcelona's signing of Joan García from Espanyol signaled their readiness to move on from their captain. However, attempts to sell him were thwarted when he required back surgery.
This created complications for Barcelona's financial situation, as La Liga's strict rules currently prevent them from registering new signings. The club initially planned to de-register Ter Stegen until January, but the goalkeeper refused, leading to a brief stripping of his captaincy before a resolution was reached.
With this dispute settled, Barcelona can now register Rashford and other new signings, clearing the way for his potential debut against Mallorca next weekend.
Camp Nou Reconstruction Delays Continue
Barcelona's first three league matches have all been scheduled as away games to accommodate ongoing renovations at Camp Nou. The £1 billion redevelopment project, which includes adding 10,000 seats and a roof, has faced significant delays.
Originally planned to reopen in December 2024, the stadium remains a construction site. This weekend's friendly was initially earmarked for the grand reopening but has been moved to the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium instead.
The club now targets September 13-14 for their home opener against Valencia, with local authorities conditionally approving safety certificates for 27,000 fans - provided construction is completed on time. The full completion date for the 100,000+ capacity stadium remains uncertain.
Lewandowski Injury Opens Door for Rashford
Amid all the off-field drama, Rashford has made a promising start on the pitch. After debuting during Barcelona's Asia tour, he scored his first goal in a 5-0 rout of South Korean side Daegu.
The English forward has impressed teammates and coaches with both his technical ability and physical condition. With Robert Lewandowski currently injured, Rashford has an opportunity to stake his claim for the center-forward position.
His performance against Como could determine whether he starts in the league opener, with manager Hansi Flick reportedly pleased with Rashford's versatility to play both as a number nine and on the left wing.
For Rashford, who faced intense scrutiny in England, Barcelona's constant off-field distractions may have provided welcome cover as he settles into his new club.
