Joao Cancelo 'cleared to return to football after health scare'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 20 March 2024

On-loan Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo is allegedly cleared to return to football after it was confirmed that he does not have a heart problem.

Joao Cancelo has allegedly been cleared to return to football after it was confirmed that he does not have a heart problem following a round of checks.

The Portugal international, who is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester City, was a notable absentee on Sunday, as the reigning La Liga champions headed to Atletico Madrid in Spain's top flight.

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez said after his side's 3-0 victory in Madrid that Cancelo had a personal problem, but the details of the issue were not revealed.

According to RAC1, the right-back underwent tests to rule out a possible heart condition after his close relative was diagnosed with the problem.

The report claims that Barcelona and Man City worked together to ensure that the tests could be carried out as soon as possible, and it was revealed that Cancelo does not have the heart condition in question.

Barcelona's Joao Cancelo before the match on September 3, 2023 © Reuters

The 29-year-old has allegedly therefore been cleared to return to action, and he is set to be involved for Portugal over the international break.

Cancelo will not play in his national team's friendly with Sweden on Thursday but is line to feature against Slovenia next week.

"We need to look natural. The noise is not a right noise. We are working, Cancelo is on the list for the second game, we are working on how to monitor the players as we do, we work with the club like Barcelona, but now there is no reason to be alert," Portugal boss Roberto Martinez told reporters at a press conference.

The defender's return for Barcelona should then come against Las Palmas in La Liga on March 30.

Athletic Bilbao's Benat Prados in action with FC Barcelona's Joao Cancelo on March 3, 2024 © Reuters

As it stands, Cancelo will return to his parent club Man City at the end of the campaign, but Barcelona are working to sign him on a permanent basis.

The Portuguese has been a regular for Xavi's side this season, featuring on 32 occasions, scoring four goals and registering four assists in the process.

Cancelo has another three years left to run on his contract at Man City, but he is not expected to play for the club again, having allegedly seen his relationship with Citizens head coach Pep Guardiola break down.

The defender has largely been used as a left-back since it was confirmed that Alejandro Balde would require a hamstring operation, and his absence opened the door for 17-year-old Hector Fort to operate in that position against Atletico.