Barcelona dealt injury blow as star man unlikely to feature in Supercopa final against Real Madrid - Reports

According to journalist Toni Juanmarti, Barcelona full-back Joao Cancelo is unlikely to be available for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid on January 14. The two teams will lock horns in the Supercopa de Espana final at the Al-Awwal Stadium on Sunday.

Cancelo suffered a ligament injury during their 2-1 La Liga win against Las Palmas last weekend. He has since been out of action and is also expected to miss the Supercopa de Espana clash against Los Blancos.

Cancelo signed for Barca on the deadline day of the summer transfer window on loan from Manchester City. He has since made 22 appearances for the Catalan club across competitions, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

The Portuguese full-back has become an integral part of La Blaugrana's team, having played as a winger as well. Hence, his absence could turn out to be a big blow against an in-form Real Madrid side.

Barcelona are set to face their arch-rivals in the final of the Spanish Super Cup, just as they did last season. La Blaugrana won the game 3-1, which marked the team's first trophy under Xavi's tutelage.

The defending La Liga champions beat Osasuna 2-0 in the semi-final on Thursday, January 11. Robert Lewandowski (59') and Lamine Yamal (90+3') netted for the Catalan club at the King Saud University Stadium.

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Barcelona sporting director Deco speaks about the win against Osasuna ahead of Real Madrid clash

Barcelona sporting director Deco outlined the importance of the win against Osasuna in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final. He outlined how it was an important objective for the team.

Deco said that the team won the same tournament last season and it would be an important feat to repeat the result this season as well by beating Real Madrid. He said (via Barca Universal):

“It was an important objective, the club already won here last season. We are at an important moment in the season where we need to be sure of our game, be happy and continue to enjoy ourselves."

He added:

“It was important to go through to the final and to play well. It was a tough game, Osasuna were a very difficult opponent and I think we played a good game.”

Barcelona haven't performed at their best in the bid to defend their La Liga title. They are third in the table with 41 points from 19 matches, trailing Real Madrid (1st) and Girona (2nd) by seven points.

They are still active in the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey. Winning the Supercopa de Espana could charge the team to have a successful campaign.