João Cancelo
BARNets rare goal
Cancelo scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 3-1 win versus Betis.
Analysis: Cancelo got in on the goalscoring during a 3-1 rout of Betis on Sunday, adding a rare goal during the win. The defender isn't a frequent goalscorer, but he can contribute when he needs to get forward. He only put a single shot on goal during the match, but he made the most of that chance, finishing well.
Clears injury scare
Cancelo (quadriceps) trained normally Thursday and has been cleared fit for Saturday's clash against Getafe after tests confirmed there is no muscular injury following his early substitution against Celta Vigo, according to Sergi Capdevila of Diario Sport.
Analysis: Cancelo had been forced off in the 20th minute of Wednesday's match after feeling discomfort in the lower quadriceps area, but the initial signs on the bench were that it was nothing serious and Thursday's training session confirmed those positive indications. The Portuguese left-back has made the position his own since joining on loan from Al-Hilal this winter, and his availability for the Getafe fixture gives coach Hansi Flick the option of keeping him in the starting lineup, though Alex Balde remains an alternative if the coach decides to exercise caution with the title race entering its decisive phase.
Forced off midweek
Cancelo was subbed off in the first half of Wednesday's match against Celta Vigo due to an injury.
Analysis: Cancelo left his place on the field to Alex Balde in the 23rd minute against Celta. While the severity of Cancelo's issue remains to be determined, it could force him to miss upcoming league fixtures, in which case Balde will likely play in his place. The Portuguese had scored one goal and one assist over his previous nine appearances across domestic and European action before the match against Celta.
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