Will Rashford start? Predicted Barcelona XI vs. FC Seoul

Marcus Rashford may have to settle for a place among the substitutes in Barcelona’s pre-season friendly against FC Seoul on Thursday.

Rashford made his first appearance for the club in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Vissel Kobe in Japan, coming off the bench at half time to play over half an hour before being withdrawn in the closing stages.

The Catalan giants appear keen to adopt a cautious approach with the 27-year-old, who missed the closing stages of his Aston Villa loan spell due to a hamstring injury. 

As a result, the Manchester United loanee is likely to be given more minutes off the bench in Thursday’s outing at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in the South Korean capital. 

Rashford’s fellow summer signing, Joan Garcia, should keep his place in between the posts before handing over goalkeeping responsibilities to Wojciech Szczesny at some stage of the contest. 

Jules Kounde could come into the side to marshal the right side of a back four, which could feature Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez and Alejandro Balde. 

Hansi Flick may decide to make an alteration in the Barcelona engine room, with Frenkie de Jong in line to replace Gavi and Pedri’s midfield partner.

Lamine Yamal and Raphinha should retain their spots on the flanks, while Dani Olmo may get the nod over Fermin Lopez in the number 10 position.

Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski could be given his first start of pre-season after coming off the bench to replace Ferran Torres in Sunday’s victory.

In regard to injuries, Marc-Andre ter Stegen has undergone back surgery and is now expected to be out for a significant period, while Eric Garcia will have to be assessed after he sat out Tuesday’s training session. 

Barcelona possible starting lineup:

J. Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski

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