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TWO DAYS LEFT: MARCUS RASHFORD MISSES TRAINING BEFORE SATURDAY CLASH

Barcelona's Camp Nou return is in doubt as Marcus Rashford misses training ahead of the Athletic Club clash. His absence raises concerns, with Raphinha now in contention to feature if the English forward is unfit.

Two Days Left:  Marcus Rashford Misses Training Before Saturday Clash
Camp Nou Return Doubt

Barcelona will play their first match back at the Spotify Camp Nou in almost 30 months this Saturday against Athletic Club. Hansi Flick expects to have players such as Joan Garcia, Marc Casado, and Raphinha available after being sidelined due to injuries, but a new potential issue has arisen.

Since becoming a regular starter, Marcus Rashford has been performing exceptionally well for Barcelona and is expected to feature in the lineup for Athletic's visit. According to Sport, he missed training on Thursday, which raises concerns about his availability for the match at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Rashford was absent from the Barcelona training facilities despite participating in both of England's games during the international break. While the report claims any injuries are not believed to be serious, the reason for his training absence remains unclear. He still has chances to play against Athletic.

Barcelona aims to gradually reintegrate Raphinha into the squad as he recovers from successive hamstring injuries. Flick had not planned to start him on Saturday, but if Rashford—who might sign a long-term deal in Catalonia next summer—is unfit to play, Raphinha may be called upon.

Everyone is closely observing Friday's training session. Rashford's status is yet to be determined, but if he can return to practice on Friday, it seems almost certain he will be able to play at the Spotify Camp Nou. Barcelona will certainly hope he can start on the left wing, a position he will now have to compete for with Raphinha's imminent return.

For now, Rashford's situation will be monitored, and more updates are expected within the next 24 hours.

LEGEND'S MARK: LEWANDOWSKI WRITES HISTORY WITH FIRST GOAL AT BARCA'S NEW HOME

Robert Lewandowski scored the historic first goal as Barcelona celebrated their emotional return to a partially renovated Camp Nou, beating Athletic Club to go level with Real Madrid in La Liga.

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Lewandowski Kicks Off New Camp Nou Era With Early Goal

The experienced forward put the ball in the net just four minutes into the game, which kicked off celebrations for Barca's return to their home ground following a two-and-a-half-year absence.

Barca initially intended to welcome fans back to Camp Nou a year prior, but the reopening was delayed repeatedly due to construction setbacks and various other challenges.

"This day held significance not just for me, but for everyone involved. I am very pleased that I had the opportunity to score the opening goal upon our return to Camp Nou," Lewandowski shared with Barca One.

"Having played in numerous stadiums, I can say that this one has a unique atmosphere. I am very proud of both myself and the team, as we performed exceptionally well today and secured a victory.

"I believe that scoring the first goal here is an achievement that I will always cherish."

The victory put Barca on equal footing with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga and marked a step up from the team's play in recent games.

"A few days prior, upon my return from representing my country, I had a strong feeling that something extraordinary was on the horizon," Lewandowski continued.

"We all are aware that this particular match will be etched in our memories for years to come."

Barca's coach, Hansi Flick, expressed his admiration for the former Bayern Munich striker.

"He's a player who, when presented with an opportunity, almost always converts it into a goal," Flick commented to reporters.

"It was crucial for us to score early today, as it boosted our confidence."

Approximately 45,000 supporters occupied the three available stands, while the stadium's third tier was still being built. The completion of the project is now anticipated in 2027, a year behind the initial timeline.

BACK HOME: LAPORTA PICKS SENTIMENTAL STAR FOR CAMP NOU'S HONORARY OPENING KICK

FC Barcelona makes a historic return to the partially renovated Spotify Camp Nou after 2.5 years away. President Laporta calls it a historic day as Barça prepares to face Athletic Club in La Liga.

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Who Will Take the Symbolic Kick at Barcelona's Return?

As the Catalans prepare for their La Liga game against Athletic Club, FC Barcelona is officially moving back to its usual stadium, the mostly renovated Spotify Camp Nou, after playing home games at Montjuïc Stadium for over two and a half years. As everyone anticipates the stadium reopening for a real game, the players, employees, and fans are feeling increasingly thrilled.

Barça president Joan Laporta shared his enthusiasm in an interview with Catalunya Ràdio before the match. He said this day was important and voiced his hope that the team would win, allowing everyone to keep celebrating.

One of the main events before the game will be the ceremonial first kick. According to Mundo Deportivo, Laporta revealed that a long-time member of the team will do the symbolic act for all the fans.

"A person who represents all Barcelona fans will do the ceremonial kick. It will be a simple kick that has a lot of symbolic meaning. It will be the oldest member who can do it, considering how easily they can move. They will stand for everyone. It's not a secret. It will be a normal, traditional, heartfelt, and simple ceremonial kick that stands for the fan base."

This is a kind act with a lot of emotional significance. But more than that, Laporta was honest about how much the team wants to win this game to celebrate the event and not let it distract them:

We are in a completely new stadium. Besides enjoying the moment, it will feel like remembering the past. The celebration is planned to honour this event and the activities before the game... I hope everything goes well. I really think we need to win today. Sometimes, things can be distracting on days when there are celebrations.

Lastly, he told fans when the stadium will be finished and when the Spotify Camp Nou is expected to be fully completed, considering the building work and having all the seats available:

"We will finish 1C, which is opening the Gol Nord, before the year ends, and the stadium will be done by the end of 2026, assuming nothing unexpected happens and everything goes as scheduled."

The president of Barcelona gave some great updates, which were definitely needed. As for the team itself, they now need to focus on Athletic Club and make sure they play well enough to make the fans happy.

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