Barcelona defender not in group training, likely to miss Copa del Rey tie vs Unionistas

Joao Cancelo was a major absence for FC Barcelona in their last few matches, having suffered an injury in the first game of 2024 against Las Palmas.

The 29-year-old right-back has been a good addition to the Blaugrana squad since arriving on loan from Manchester City in the summer.

In 22 matches in all competitions, Cancelo has produced a return of three goals and two assists, impressing with his attacking capabilities and versatility.

Despite his injury, Cancelo had travelled to Saudi Arabia, with Barcelona having slim hopes of recovering him before the Spanish Super Cup finals against Real Madrid, but it was not to be.

Cancelo to miss Copa del Rey match

Now, SPORT is reporting that Cancelo is not back in training with the rest of the Barcelona squad today.

The players did not train on Monday after returning from Saudi Arabia following the disappointing 4-1 defeat in the finals against Real Madrid.

Xavi convened the squad to train today, but Cancelo was one of the most notable absentees and everything indicates that the full-back will not be ready to face Unionistas de Salamanca later this week.

The Blaugrana face the lower league side in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night, but Cancelo will not be able to return as things stand.

Meanwhile, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Iñigo Martínez, Marcos Alonso, Gavi and Raphinha are all absent from training as well, as they continue recovering from their injuries.

Xavi has also called up youngsters like Ander Astralaga, Diego Kochen, Marc Casadó, Marc Guiu, Pau Cubarsi, and Héctor Fort to train with the first team.

Meanwhile, Vitor Roque also trained normally after having not featured in the Spanish Super Cup at all for Barcelona. The 18-year-old might have a prominent role in Thursday’s game against Unionistas.