The club’s registration headache has been partly resolved through some dramatic internal manoeuvring involving captain Marc-André ter Stegen. The German keeper initially refused to sign a long-term medical leave agreement that would clear 80 per cent of his wages and help the club comply with financial rules.

A favorable verdict this week from La Liga’s medical commission on Marc-André ter Stegen, allowing Barça to offload his salary during what is confirmed to be a long-term injury, means that new goalkeeper Joan García can be registered. But the club wants Rashford available for Saturday too.

Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona from Manchester United in a season-long loan deal in July but faces a nervous wait to learn if he can make his La Liga debut this weekend