Marcus Rashford was left out of Barcelona’s starting XI over the weekend – and it was all down to old issues rearing their head again.
The England international was left out for the match for the Catalan giants by manager Hansi Flick following a magnificent double against Newcastle United last week.
Rashford, 27, headed home an excellent goal to open the scoring that evening in the Champions League tie at St James’ Park before he lashed in a stunner to double his own tally as well as his side’s lead and ultimately win the game.
It was the perfect return to England for the Barca attacker who is currently on loan from Manchester United for the rest of the season.
Logic would have dictated Rashford was in line to start for the club again to build on his momentum when they took on Getafe at Camp Nou last night.
Marcus Rashford dropped for Barcelona for being late
However, Rashford was left on the bench by the boss which had fans scratching their heads in confusion.
Now it has emerged that the forward was allegedly late for training on the morning of the fixture which prompted Flick to leave him out. The German reportedly has a strict rule to leave players on the bench if they miss training or meetings in the lead-up to the action.
Raphinha and Inaki Pena are two of a number of stars who have learned the hard way.
Rashford is now the latest to be slapped with the punishment but for the Old Trafford loanee, it hits a bit different considering it is not the first time in his career that his lack of timekeeping has got him into trouble.
Back under former Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag, Rashford was punished for missing training following a boozy night out he had in Belfast in 2024.
Times at Manchester United Rashford showed poor timekeeping
There was also another issue two years prior when he was late before a game against Wolves and was punished then, too.
Punctuality is clearly not Rashford’s strong suit but fixing the problem must surely come for him at Barca. The alternative is facing the wrath of boss Flick again which will not do his future chances in La Liga any good.
So far Rashford has started relatively well in Spain with two goals from six appearances and even after being dropped for Getafe he did come off the bench and find Dani Olmo for an assist.
The frontman spent last season on loan at Aston Villa but will surely be looking for a place to call home beyond this season if his time at United under Ruben Amorim is over.
