Barcelona's coaching staff has picked up some unexpected news ahead of the first Spanish Cup semi-final match. Prominent English forward Marcus Rashford has been officially excluded from the squad for the game against Atletico Madrid, due this Thursday, 12th.

According to official information to the club, Rashford saved his left knee during the La Liga match against Mallorca last weekend. At the Zusilla medical headquarters, the attacker did not catch up and turn around to the next level.

Today's news was during the day's work for the team at Ciutat Esportiva.

The situation for the blu-garnets is complicated by the fact that there is not a single loss in the attack line. Besides Rashford, the match is also likely to be missed by the Brazilian winger Rafinha, who will continue his recovery after a muscle injury.

The absence of both players creates a serious headache for the head coach of Barcelona before the important trip to the Wanda Metropolitano, and they are actively looking for alternative options in attack to save the chances of reaching the final.