Raphinha's five-week absence could not have come at a more significant moment for Marcus Rashford. The Manchester United loanee moves into the starting XI for a period that includes three matches against Atletico Madrid and the Champions League quarter-finals against PSG. His Barcelona future will be decided by how he performs in them.
Rashford has contributed 10 goals and 13 assists in 39 appearances this season but his form has been inconsistent since January, and his minutes dropped significantly after Raphinha returned from his previous injury in November. Barcelona hold a €30 million purchase option but are no longer certain they want to trigger it. Flick has praised his attitude but publicly demanded more in defensive work and pressing.
PSG and AC Milan are monitoring the situation, ready to move if Barcelona walk away. Laporta has spoken positively about keeping him, but the wages remain a concern under Financial Fair Play. The next five weeks will settle the question.