It has been close to 40 days since Joao Cancelo returned to FC Barcelona for a second stint. The veteran right-back was signed in the winter transfer window, on a season-long loan deal from Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
So keen was Cancelo to make the switch happen that he accepted a reduced salary and was even happy to take a secondary role in the team.
However, well over a month into his second spell in Barcelona, the Portuguese international, things have hardly gone accordingly to plan for Cancelo, as he has barely played in recent weeks.
Levante game could be a turning point
But, as highlighted by SPORT, Cancelo could be a valuable option this Sunday against Levante for manager Hansi Flick.
The relegation-battling outfit, currently in 19th place, are expected to adopt a defensive approach. And Barça will need to attack decisively, and one quality the Portuguese guarantees is his ability to reach the byline consistently.
Moreover, his registration for the Champions League, after being unable to be listed during the league phase upon arrival, could also represent the turning point he is seeking.
Cancelo has barely played since returning to Barça. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Of the eight matches in which Cancelo has been available, he has participated in five and started only two. The first came on 25 January against Real Oviedo, where he was substituted on the hour mark in a match where he still appeared short of rhythm.
He then started in Albacete in the Copa del Rey, in his more customary position at right-back. However, he received an unnecessary yellow card after 15 minutes, which limited him and led to his substitution at half-time.
Since that night, Cancelo has accumulated just 12 minutes, those he played at home against Mallorca when the match 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. But the turning point could be around the corner for the Portuguese.