BARCELONA STAR JOÃO CANCELO’S ABSENCE VS ATLÉTICO DOWN TO ‘SERIOUS PERSONAL PROBLEM’

A fresh insight into the absence of João Cancelo from Barcelona’s squad to face Atlético Madrid on Sunday has been forthcoming online.

Defender Cancelo, of course, sat out this evening, as Barca marked their return to action.

Early in the afternoon, word was forthcoming that the Portuguese would not be present in Xavi’s travelling squad bound for Madrid, for a La Liga showdown with the aforementioned Atlético.

The Blaugrana, to their credit, nevertheless went on to secure a dominant 3-0 triumph.

Post-match, though, concern quickly spread, upon Fermín López feeling it necessary to dedicate the result to his absent teammate.

Speaking to the media at the Metropolitano, the young midfielder, who added Barca’s 2nd of the night, confirmed that Cancelo is ‘going through a hard time’ at present.

And a further insight into the situation has since been provided.

The info comes courtesy of the reliable Javier Miguel of Diario AS, who has confirmed that:

‘The team dedicates the victory to Cancelo. He has not traveled due to a serious personal problem, not due to injury.’