Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has urged Marcus Rashford to step up after Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury that will sideline him for five weeks. The Brazil international picked up the injury during his country's defeat to France, ruling him out of crucial upcoming matches including the Champions League quarterfinal against Atlético Madrid. This marks the third time this season Raphinha has injured the same hamstring.

Flick revealed that after speaking with Raphinha following the France match, he decided to send the player back to Brazil to clear his mind. "He was very disappointed, very down," Flick said, explaining the decision to let him spend time with family despite normally wanting players present at the club. The 29-year-old could return for the Clásico against Real Madrid on May 10, but in the meantime, Rashford may get his chance to impress.

The England forward, who has 10 goals and 13 assists in 39 appearances this season, has started just one of Barcelona's last 10 games due to Raphinha's form and his own injury problems. Flick expressed confidence in Rashford's abilities while noting other options like Fermín López and Gavi can also fill the void. Barcelona enter the final stretch of the season four points clear at the top of LaLiga, with a crucial trilogy of matches against Atlético Madrid beginning this weekend.