Hansi Flick Revives Marcus Rashford’s Right-Wing Prowess to Cover Lamine Yamal’s Season-Ending Injury

Marcus Rashford takes over Barcelona’s right wing after Lamine Yamal’s season-ending injury, reviving a tactical weapon used in his Man Utd days.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 9:47 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

Tactical Flexibility in the Face of a Major Injury Crisis

The season-ending injury to Lamine Yamal, who sustained a severe hamstring tear during the 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo on April 22, has forced Hansi Flick to restructure Barcelona’s attacking line at the most critical juncture of the campaign. Yamal, the club’s top scorer with 24 goals this season, will miss the final six league matches, including the pivotal Clásico on May 10. In response, Flick has deployed Marcus Rashford on the right wing, a position the Englishman famously used to dismantle Barcelona’s defense during his Manchester United tenure in 2023. This tactical shift provides the offensive depth necessary to sustain the club's nine-point advantage over Real Madrid while key outlets like Raphinha remain sidelined with thigh injuries.

Reviving an Old Weapon from the 2023 Europa League Playoff

Rashford’s proficiency on the right is not a new experiment, but rather a revival of a strategy that once haunted the Catalan giants. During the 2022/2023 Europa League playoff at Spotify Camp Nou, Rashford switched to the right flank in the second half, scoring the equalizer and forcing a Jules Koundé own goal in a -2 draw. By utilizing his explosive speed and directness from the opposite side, Flick is looking to replicate that "counter-punch" energy. Against Getafe, Rashford replaced Roony Bardghji in the 60th minute, moving to the right and eventually scoring the decisive second goal in the 74th minute after a sweeping counterattack initiated by Robert Lewandowski.

Statistical Impact and Goal Contribution Efficiency

The data continues to support Rashford’s integration into the starting XI, regardless of his positioning. Currently on loan from Manchester United, the 28-year-old has recorded 14 goal contributions (7 goals and 7 assists) in 28 La Liga appearances this season. His efficiency is particularly notable in high-pressure scenarios; he currently averages a goal involvement every 89 minutes when factoring in domestic and European competitions. This rate of production has been vital in offsetting the absence of Yamal and Raphinha, allowing Flick to maintain a consistent threat even when forced to rotate his creative midfield trio of Pedri, Dani Olmo, and Fermín López.