In a turn that has ignited the enthusiasm of the culé fans at the worst possible moment, FC Barcelona has received an injection of hope just when the season enters its most critical phase. Hansi Flick, the German coach who has led the team in an irregular campaign marked by unexpected setbacks, has been surprised with the confirmation of two key reinforcements who arrive to shore up the squad and alter the outlook in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

The Spotify Camp Nou, still under construction but an eternal symbol of the club, has witnessed news that changes the tables: the progressive return to training of two fundamental pieces who were in the process of recovery and who now join the group as if they were true signings. Pedri González and Marcus Rashford have returned to the pitch of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper along with the rest of their teammates, participating in part of the preparatory session for the next duel against Levante at home.

The news has fallen like a balm in a locker room that needed an urgent shake-up. After two consecutive defeats – the defeat suffered at the Metropolitano against Atlético de Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals and the unexpected fall in Montilivi against Girona that took away the lead in LaLiga – the team was accumulating doubts, injuries and a feeling of latent crisis.

Flick, known for his tactical demands and his ability to motivate, called an extensive meeting with staff and squad to demand an immediate reaction: return to the principles that made them champions last season, with intense high pressure, defensive discipline and zero concessions in losses.

And just in that context of self-criticism and need for a comeback, Pedri and Rashford arrive as two luxury “signings” at the most opportune moment. The Canarian, one of the brightest talents in the youth academy and in world football, has overcome his recurring muscle problems and is now training partially normally. His vision of the game, ability to break lines and connection with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha could be the trigger that gives Barça control of the ball and the creativity that has been missing in recent weeks.

For his part, Marcus Rashford – who arrived in the winter transfer window on a loan that has generated divided opinions – has also joined the group after overcoming a discomfort that kept him away. The Englishman, with his speed, overflow and scoring instinct, represents the explosive alternative that Flick needs on the wings and as a false nine when Ferran Torres or the veteran Lewandowski are not performing at their best. His integration has been gradual, but his return coincides with the coach’s request to recover intensity and verticality.

Flick did not hide his satisfaction at seeing both of them on the field. Sources close to the coaching staff assure that the German “smiled for the first time in days” when confirming that Pedri and Rashford would be available for the duel against Levante and, above all, for the Cup return against Atlético. “They are two players who change dynamics,” commented an assistant. “Pedri provides balance in the middle and Rashford is a constant threat from the outside. With them, we once again have real options to come back and fight for everything.”

The impact goes beyond sports. The fans, who have experienced the latest performances with concern, have flooded the networks with messages of optimism. “The two stars are back! This is the push we needed”, “Flick receives the perfect gift before the decisive phase” or “Camp Nou is going to roar with Pedri and Rashford” are some of the most repeated comments. The club, aware of the delicate moment, has taken advantage of the news to reinforce the message of unity: “The season is not lost.

With these returns and the character of the group, we are going to fight until the end.”

On the immediate horizon, the match against Levante at the Spotify Camp Nou is presented as the ideal setting to see the first minutes of both. Flick could line up Pedri in the double pivot alongside a recovered Gündogan or even try him further forward to enhance creation. Rashford, for his part, would compete with Raphinha and Yamal on the wings, providing freshness and goals in an attack that needs variety.

But the real test will come in the Copa del Rey second leg against Atlético. With a four-goal deficit, a comeback seems almost impossible, but the German coach is not throwing in the towel. “We have to believe. With Pedri and Rashford at 100%, and the rest of the team regaining intensity, nothing is impossible,” he would have conveyed to the squad in the meeting.

Meanwhile, in terms of signings themselves, the club continues working on the 2026 summer market. Names like Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid), Dušan Vlahović (Juventus) or even Alessandro Bastoni (Inter) are strongly on the agenda of Deco and Flick, who has asked for important reinforcements to replace a Lewandowski who could go out and strengthen the defense. However, the immediate “signings” of Pedri and Rashford represent the most tangible and urgent progress at this critical moment.

Barcelona, ​​injured but not defeated, has found in these comebacks the spark it needed to thwart the plans of rivals like Real Madrid, Atlético and Girona. The most dangerous phase of the season – with direct duels, impossible comebacks and the fight for titles – has just become a little more hopeful. Hansi Flick smiles again, and the Camp Nou prepares to roar. Barça, with two “new” signings at the decisive moment, is ready to surprise.