- Seven Barcelona players, including Marcus Rashford, may be barred from LaLiga opener against Mallorca due to registration issues
- Marc-André ter Stegen’s refusal to sign a medical report is blocking the release of funds needed to register new signings
- Without the report, Barcelona cannot free up funds needed to register Rashford for competitive action
Marcus Rashford is one of seven Barcelona players who could miss out on being registered in time for their LaLiga opener.
Hansi Flick’s side will kick off their campaign against RCD Mallorca on August 16, but financial restrictions are once again causing problems at Camp Nou.
Barca are scrambling to navigate LaLiga’s strict regulations, which have repeatedly delayed player registrations in recent seasons.
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Ter Stegen injury complicates Barcelona’s plans
The Catalan club believed they had found a workaround following the long-term injury to one of their highest earners, Marc-André ter Stegen.
If LaLiga rules deem the German goalkeeper’s absence to be four or five months, Barcelona would be able to redirect part of his wages to register other players.
However, this solution hinges on Ter Stegen approving the submission of a medical report to the league.
Since undergoing back surgery last month, the 33-year-old has yet to sign off on the document, having initially insisted he would be out for just three months.
Seven Barcelona stars at risk of La Liga opener ban
Barcelona could be without up to seven players for their first LaLiga match against RCD Mallorca if ter Stegen refuses to sign off on a crucial medical report.
The German custodian’s approval is needed to confirm his long-term injury status, which would allow the Catalan club to free up funds under league registration rules.
Without it, several new signings and key squad members may be left on the sidelines.
Rashford is among those affected, having joined on loan from Manchester United last month.
Fellow summer arrival Roony Bardghji is also at risk of missing the opener.
Barcelona’s new arrivals and young talents facing uncertainty
Joan Garcia, signed earlier this summer from city rivals Espanyol as cover for the injury-plagued Ter Stegen, is yet to be registered.
Veteran stopper Wojciech Szczęsny, who came out of retirement to join the club last season, also remains in limbo.
Youngsters Marc Bernal, Gerard Martin, and Hector Fort are on the same list of unregistered players.
Former Southampton midfielder Oriol Romeu, who spent last season on loan at Girona, would also fail to make the squad as things stand, though he is expected to leave Barcelona soon.
The Catalan side eased some pressure last week by selling defender Iñigo Martínez to Saudi club Al-Nassr, but further player sales may be necessary if the Ter Stegen situation is not resolved.
Why Rashford could succeed at Barcelona
YEN.com.gh earlier highlighted why Marcus Rashford is well-placed to succeed with the Catalan giants.
The 27-year-old seems driven to prove his doubters wrong and leave his mark at one of football’s most iconic clubs.
Source: YEN.com.gh
