Barcelona star could return in time for Spanish Super Cup final – report

Barcelona started the new year with a 2-1 win over Las Palmas, in what proved to be crucial three points for the club.

But in the process of that victory, Barça ended up losing another player due to injury, as Joao Cancelo picked up an early knock that saw him get substituted.

The right-back clashed with Perrone and was seen lying on the grass. He put his hands on his knee and was ultimately replaced by Andreas Christensen.

Cancelo’s knock led to fears of his long-term absence on the sidelines. But shortly after the game, Xavi did confirm that the injury was not serious at all.

When will Cancelo come back?

A recent report from Diario SPORT has come up with a comprehensive report on Cancelo’s fitness, detailing when exactly the right-back may come back.

As per the report, Barcelona do not entirely discount the possibility of Cancelo returning to the pitch before the Spanish Super Cup final.

However, the Portuguese international looks certain to miss the upcoming semi-final game against Osasuna.

Barcelona’s report did suggest a strain in the internal lateral ligament. However, the degree of impact is not yet known.

Views from a specialist

Diario SPORT spoke to Dr Lopez Martinez, a traumatologist specialising in sports medicine and the personal doctor of Carlos Alcaraz.

Martinez suggests these kinds of injuries can always be tricky and depend on the impact, which can be of three grades. He also points out that a grade-three impact requires surgery and is very rare.

As per Martinez, there is only a slight possibility of Cancelo being able to play on Thursday. His chances of return, however, may significantly increase for a hypothetical Super Cup final.