Barcelona expect key defender to return from injury for cup tie vs Athletic Club

Barcelona take on Real Betis today in La Liga without the services of a number of their important players.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, Raphinha, Inigo Martinez, Andreas Christensen, and Marcos Alonso are out injured for the game, along with first-choice right-back Joao Cancelo.

The 29-year-old Portuguese international suffered an injury during the first game of 2024 against Las Palmas, but the issue was not considered serious.

However, Cancelo has now gone on to miss four matches in a row in all competitions and will be unavailable tonight as well.

Cancelo expected to be back against Athletic Club

However, Mundo Deportivo is reporting that Barcelona expect Joao Cancelo to be fit and available for the cup tie against Athletic Club next week.

The Blaugrana face off against the Basque club away at San Mames in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. And all signs point towards Cancelo being ready for the contest against Ernesto Valverde’s men in a few days.

Speaking about Cancelo’s situation during his press conference on Saturday, Xavi had said: “It will be difficult for tomorrow, but I am optimistic for the Cup. He tried but he was in pain. It’s logical that he won’t be here tomorrow, but he will be for the Cup.”

And the report from Mundo Deportivo aligns with what the Barcelona manager stated, with Cancelo expected to be back against Athletic.

Since joining the club in the summer, on loan from Manchester City, Cancelo has made 22 appearances in all competitions, even chipping in with three goals and two assists. An important asset, his return would be a boost for Barcelona.