Barcelona defender will not be ready for Spanish Super Cup semi-final vs Osasuna

In less than 24 hours, FC Barcelona will be locking horns with CA Osasuna in the second semi-finals of the 2023/24 Spanish Super Cup. A spot in the final awaits the winner, where they could face Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.

Heading into the game, Barcelona have received a much-needed injury boost as midfield maestro Pedri has rejoined group training and has a chance of featuring tomorrow against Jagoba Arrasate’s men.

Joao Cancelo out

However, the same cannot be said of his teammate and fellow injured star Joao Cancelo.

The Portuguese international was named in the squad for the Spanish Super Cup despite being injured and flew to Saudi Arabia, much like Pedri, in hope that he might recover and play some role in the games.

However, according to AS, Cancelo has been definitively ruled out of tomorrow night’s contest against Osasuna.

As per the report, the 29-year-old right-back did individual work in training today and is not ready to play a part in the semi-final against Osasuna.

What’s more, the report further goes on to add that should Barcelona win tomorrow and qualify for the finals, there will be question marks over the availability of Cancelo for that match as well.

Speaking of the Portuguese defender during his press conference earlier today, Xavi had claimed that the situation was complicated.

And, as it turns out, Cancelo will now not be ready in time for Osasuna and might even end up missing the Super Cup final, if Barcelona make it to that stage.

It will be interesting to see the defensive line that Xavi will opt for tomorrow now that Cancelo will not be available for selection.