Knee ligament damage sidelines Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo

Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage.

Cancelo was forced off after 11 minutes of Barcelona’s 2-1 LaLiga victory at Las Palmas on Thursday.

“Tests carried out on Friday show that first-team player Joao Cancelo has a strained medial collateral ligament in his left knee,” read a Barcelona statement.

MEDICAL NEWS | Tests carried out this morning have revealed that first team player João Cancelo has a left MCL strain. He is out and his recovery will determine his availability. pic.twitter.com/r5tMSgGhl2

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 5, 2024

“He is unavailable for selection and his recovery will dictate his return.”

Barcelona are in action again on Sunday, against Barbastro in the Copa del Rey, with their next league game at Real Betis on January 21.

Portugal international Cancelo, 29, has made 22 appearances and scored three goals for Barcelona since joining on loan from Manchester City last September.