Barcelona new signing could be a valuable option for Flick vs Levante amid lack of minutes | Barca Universal

"It has been close to 40 days since Joao Cancelo returned to FC Barcelona for a second stint. The veteran right-back was signed in the winter transfer window, on a season-long loan deal from Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. So keen was Cancelo to make the switch happen that he accepted a reduced salary and was even happy to take a secondary role in the team."

"But, as highlighted by SPORT, Cancelo could be a valuable option this Sunday against Levante for manager Hansi Flick. The relegation-battling outfit, currently in 19th place, are expected to adopt a defensive approach. And Barça will need to attack decisively, and one quality the Portuguese guarantees is his ability to reach the byline consistently. Moreover, his registration for the Champions League, after being unable to be listed during the league phase upon arrival, could also represent the turning point he is seeking."

"Of the eight matches in which Cancelo has been available, he has participated in five and started only two. The first came on 25 January against Real Oviedo, where he was substituted on the hour mark in a match where he still appeared short of rhythm. He then started in Albacete in the Copa del Rey, in his more customary position at right-back. However, he received an unnecessary yellow card after 15 minutes, which limited him and led to his substitution at half-time. Since that night, Cancelo has accumulated just 12 minutes, those he played at home against Mallorca when the match was already decided. He did not feature in the losses against Atletico Madrid and Girona."

Joao Cancelo returned to FC Barcelona on a six-month loan from Al Hilal and accepted a reduced salary and a secondary role to facilitate the move. He has been available for eight matches, appearing in five and starting only twice. He started against Real Oviedo and in the Copa del Rey at Albacete, where an early yellow forced a halftime substitution. Since then he has played just 12 minutes versus Mallorca and missed the Atletico and Girona fixtures. Registration for the Champions League and the upcoming match against defensive Levante could provide an opportunity for more game time.

Read at Barca Universal