Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has confirmed that João Cancelo is edging closer to a return to competitive action, with the Portuguese full-back expected to feature in Thursday’s Copa del Rey Round of 16 tie against Racing Santander. Speaking ahead of the trip to El Sardinero, Flick made it clear that the plan is to ease Cancelo back in carefully, following his recent loan return, as reported by SoftFootball.
The German coach acknowledged that Cancelo’s situation has been managed patiently since his arrival earlier this week, stressing that the timing now feels right.
Explaining the club’s thinking, Flick said:
The idea is for Cancelo to play.
As also highlighted by SoftFootball’s report on Flick confirming the loan return, the decision was shaped by both squad balance and tactical needs.
Barcelona arrive in Santander fresh from lifting the Spanish Super Cup after defeating Real Madrid, a victory that underlined the momentum building under Flick. There has been little time to celebrate, though, with knockout football returning almost immediately.
Flick warned that Racing Santander will not make things easy, noting that they are highly motivated and very clear in their ideas, while praising them as a young team whose football he genuinely enjoys.
Cancelo’s potential involvement adds intrigue to the tie. Flick explained that the club reassessed its priorities after Ronald Araújo returned and young defenders continued to impress.
Clarifying his reasoning, the coach said:
We’re well covered at centre-back with Gerard Martín, Eric and Cubarsí, and with Araújo back as well.
That clarity opened the door for Cancelo, who offers something different in advanced areas.
Flick summed it up plainly in a post shared on the club’s official X account:
Cancelo is a fantastic player, very professional and very strong going forward. We need players with quality when opponents sit deep in the final third, and he’s a good option for that.
Beyond tactics, Flick also spoke warmly about the environment inside the club.
Reflecting on his experience so far, he said:
You never know what will happen, but from day one the feeling has been that we’re working together. It feels like a big family.
That sense of unity, he believes, is helping Barcelona navigate a demanding season, with Cancelo’s return another piece of the puzzle as the Blaugrana chase more silverware.
