It has been nearly 40 days since Joao Cancelo returned to FC Barcelona for a second stint. The veteran right-back was signed during the winter transfer window on a season-long loan from Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Cancelo was so keen to make the move that he accepted a reduced salary and was willing to take a secondary role in the team. However, well over a month into his second spell at Barcelona, things have not gone as planned, and the Portuguese international has barely played recently.
The Levante game could be a turning point. The relegation-threatened side currently sitting 19th are expected to play defensively, and Barça will need to attack decisively. One quality Cancelo guarantees is his consistent ability to reach the byline.
Additionally, his registration for the Champions League, after being unable to be listed during the league phase upon arrival, could represent the breakthrough he is seeking.
Out of eight matches where Cancelo was available, he has participated in five and started only two. His first appearance came on January 25th against Real Oviedo, where he was substituted around the hour mark in a game where he still seemed out of rhythm.
He then started against Albacete in the Copa del Rey in his customary right-back position but received an unnecessary yellow card after 15 minutes, limiting him and leading to his substitution at halftime.
Since that night, Cancelo has accumulated just 12 minutes, playing in a home match against Mallorca that was already decided. He did not feature in the losses against Atletico Madrid and Girona.
Cancelo signed for six months, and more than one has already passed without significant progress and with some setbacks along the way. However, the turning point could be just around the corner for the Portuguese player.
