Joao Cancelo Injury: Portugal manager Roberto Martinez provides fitness update

Roberto Martinez has ruled out any serious condition of Joao Cancelo

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has revealed that Joao Cancelo’s condition is not serious right now. He has been called up to the team’s international games this week and the coach even hinted at the star’s participation too.

Cancelo was absent from Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Sunday amid rumors of a heart problem. According to RAC1, he was ruled out as “precaution” and on “medical advice”. Meanwhile, the Blaugrana were keen to rule out the possibility of a heart problem, something that a relative of Cancelo has been diagnosed with.

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However, his Portugal coach Martinez has ruled out any serious issue, affirming that there’s no reason to be “alert” right now. Speaking to the press, the Spaniard said:

“We need to look natural. The noise is not a right noise. We are working, Cancelo is on the list for the second game, we are working on how to monitor the players as we do, we work with the club like Barcelona, but now there is no reason to be alert.”

Cancelo has been ruled out of Portugal’s first friendly of the month against Sweden, along with several key players including Cristiano Ronaldo as Martinez is keen to rest his big stars with the Euro 2024 on the horizon. However, with another clash with Slovenia coming up next week, it remains to be seen if Cancelo will feature.

Portugal begin preparations for Euro 2024

After sailing through the qualifying phase, Portugal now begin their preparations for Euro 2024 with a double friendly against Sweden and Slovenia this month. Later in June, they are scheduled to play Finland, Croatia and Ireland in three more friendlies, before officially kicking off their tournament against the Czech Republic in Group F. Turkey are in the hat too, and one more team will join them from Path C of the qualifier.

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