Barcelona defender set to receive medical green light following health scare

Barcelona suffered a rather late scare ahead of their game against Atletico Madrid as Joao Cancelo dropped out from the squad list. The club did not confirm any injury of any sort, but it was safe to presume that the player was suffering from some discomfort.

However, following Barça’s 0-3 win, Fermin Lopez started his press conference by saying that he dedicates the win to Joao Cancelo, who is going through a tough time personally.

Later, it was revealed that Cancelo did not drop out of the squad list due to any injury, but rather due to a rather serious personal situation. And it was only today that reports claimed that the reason was a suspected heart condition.

A close relative of Cancelo has a heart condition, and the club wanted to rule out the chances of it being hereditary which could impact his playing career in the short and long-term.

As it turns out, though, Cancelo’s heart is fine, as per Mundo Deportivo. He has been given the medical green light to play, and will join the Portuguese National Team camp for the international break.

Cancelo’s Barcelona future

Cancelo has two goals and three assists this season playing as a full-back, and started his season on the right side before switching over to the left after Alejandro Balde’s injury.

Barcelona are more than impressed with his contributions, and are already considering buying his full rights from Manchester City. This operation could cost them upwards of €20-25 million, which is far from an unreasonable amount.

‘Cule’ through and through

And while he has been on loan, Cancelo has proven to be a thoroughbred Barcelona fan through his words and actions, both.

“Pepe told me that I was a Real Madrid player, but I told him, ‘I am from Barcelona’,” Cancelo said in a recent interview.  “I am happy to be at Barcelona. It is the club I have always wanted to be at. After Benfica, it is the club I always loved.”

With the club needing more full-backs as they head into the summer transfer window, they will do their best to retain Cancelo’s services, who is clearly dedicated to the garnet and blue.