Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has confirmed Samuel Umtiti has suffered a knee injury amid fears he might not play again this year. The defender played the whole game as Barca were surprisingly beaten 2-1 at Leganes on Wednesday but reports since have suggested he’s suffered a serious knee injury and is facing months out.
Valverde has now confirmed the setback but was coy over how long the France international would be on the sidelines for.
“Let’s see how things develop, but hopefully it won’t be too long before he’s back with us. It’s a blow for us,” he told reporters.
In Umtiti’s absence, it’s likely either Clement Lenglet or Thomas Vermaelen will partner Gerard Pique in central defence when Barca host Valverde’s former side Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
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