Joao Cancelo was an unused substitute as Manchester City enjoyed a 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. The 28-year-old was overlooked by Pep Guardiola despite five substitutions being made over the 90 minutes.
Aymeric Laporte was preferred at left-back and Nathan Ake was brought on ahead of Cancelo in the second half. Even Kyle Walker sat on the bench for the duration, so Pep appears to be sending a message.
The Portuguese international hasn’t been starting for City of late, came under cryptic criticism from Guardiola for his attitude, and has been recently linked with a move away, so his future is uncertain at the Etihad Stadium.
Cancelo has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two goals with five assists, but his form has wavered. The 28-year-old is without a Premier League goal or assist since October.
He’s failed to create a chance in five of his last eight games, failed to whip in an accurate cross in four of his last seven games and has turned over the ball just six times in as many games, so Cancelo needs to improve to get back into the side.
In other news, Pep Guardiola gives injury update on Phil Foden ahead of Arsenal clash
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