Barcelona have issued a reassuring update concerning Marcus Rashford’s rehabilitation from a knee injury. The on-loan Manchester United forward has been absent from the club’s last two matches. The England international, 28, has thrived since arriving on loan in Catalonia in the summer, scoring 10 goals and contributing 13 assists in 34 appearances in all competitions.

The agreement struck by United and Barcelona is believed to feature a £26million option to buy, enabling the Spanish club to secure the forward on a permanent basis. Recent reports indicate United may now regret that clause, as Rashford’s resurgence has significantly enhanced his valuation. Rashford has made no secret of his ambition to continue at the Camp Nou beyond the end of the season. Still, there were fears that his recent injury scare might have jeopardised any move if the issue had proven worse than first thought.

Encouragingly for both Rashford and Barcelona and England head coach Thomas Tuchel, the attacker appears to be edging closer to a comeback. On Thursday, the club confirmed that both Rashford and Pedri had returned to the training ground.

A Barcelona club statement read: “Back out on the pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva. Hansi Flick’s squad train for the first time this week to begin preparations for the clash against Levante at the Spotify Camp Nou. And there were two new faces, as Pedri and Rashford joined in for part of the session with the team.

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“The blaugranes were out on Camp Tito Vilanova for training after two days off with returning to a run of positive results the aim. They were boosted today with the Canary Island midfielder and the English forward joining in for part of the session with the group. Emilio and Brian from Barça Atlètic were also involved.”

That update points to Rashford completing only a portion of the session, but even limited involvement will provide encouragement for Flick and his squad, who have felt his absence. The team suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final last week before going down 2-1 to Girona on Monday.

Reports further suggest United have no intention of trimming the £26m buy clause, despite Barcelona’s apparent desire to reopen negotiations. While Rashford continues to push for an extended stay, the club’s widely reported financial limitations could present challenges in the upcoming transfer window.

In the meantime, Rashford’s focus will be on fighting his way back into the starting line-up for Sunday’s clash with Levante, after Barcelona dropped two points behind Real Madrid in the La Liga standings. With 20 starts from 34 appearances, he will be targeting a consistent role in the team as he looks to cement his place in England’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.