Barcelona announced in an official statement the absence of its star, Joao Cancelo, from the Atletico Madrid match scheduled for Sunday at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in the Spanish League.
The Portuguese international participated in training on Friday and Saturday without a crisis, and was expected to lead the left front for the Catalan club against the Rojiblancos.
But according to the club statement, Cancelo is suffering from fitness problems and will not succeed in being at the top of the Spanish League.
The statement did not include the duration of Cancelo’s expected absence from the stadiums, and whether he will join the Portugal national team camp in the upcoming international break or whether he will remain in Barcelona.
Cancelo’s absence will leave Barcelona with a real crisis in the left-back position, with Alejandro Balde also injured, so the option available to Xavi Hernandez is to rely on the young man Hector Forte or Sergi Roberto.
It is noteworthy that the 29-year-old participated this season in 32 matches in all tournaments, during which he scored 4 goals and made as many assists.
The Atletico Madrid match represents a good opportunity for Barcelona to reach second place in La Liga after Girona’s loss to Getafe. In the event of victory, the Catalans will reach 64 points, and the lead is still in the hands of Real Madrid with 72 points.
