Cancelo set for swift Barça debut in Santander cup clash
Portuguese defender could feature just days after signing, while Araújo also in contention for Copa del Rey tie against Racing Santander.
Joao Cancelo could make his second Barcelona debut mere days after his return to the club was announced, with Hansi Flick suggesting the Portuguese defender might get his first minutes in Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash against Racing Santander.
Quick turnaround
Talk about déjà vu! The Portuguese full-back only completed one training session with the squad, but that hasn’t stopped Flick from considering him for immediate action. During his first Barça stint last season, Cancelo was thrown into the mix just 48 hours after signing, and history looks set to repeat itself.
“Cancelo could play some minutes. It’s something we have in mind,” Flick revealed at his pre-match press conference, giving us a proper hint that the defender might be in for a swift return to action in the famous blaugrana shirt.
Position puzzle
While Cancelo’s return has been welcomed by the German gaffer, there’s still a bit of a mystery about where exactly he’ll slot into the team. Flick was playing his cards close to his chest, not revealing whether Cancelo would feature as a right-back or left-back – the two positions where he’s most comfortable.
The Barcelona boss did suggest that the central defensive positions are well-covered with Cubarsí, Eric Garcia and others performing admirably. Instead, Flick emphasized Cancelo’s quality and ability to help the team break down opponents – a proper bobby dazzler when it comes to attacking from the flanks.
Despite limited playing time at Al Hilal, where he featured in just three matches since recovering from injury, Cancelo himself insisted yesterday that he’s at full fitness and ready to contribute immediately.
Araújo comeback continues
Meanwhile, Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo could also get more minutes under his belt in the cup tie. After making a brief appearance in the Supercopa final against Real Madrid following a month on the sidelines due to mental health issues, Flick is considering giving him further playing time.
“We need to decide if he gets minutes. We have another day to decide. Some players are tired. He’s trained well and could play some minutes without problems,” Flick explained.
With squad rotation likely for the cup competition and some players feeling the effects of the Supercopa exertions, tomorrow’s trip to Santander could be the perfect opportunity for both Cancelo and Araújo to build their match fitness.