Barcelona: World Cup-winning French centre-back Samuel Umtiti could return to the Barcelona squad next weekend when the defending La Liga champions take on Eibar away on September 19.
The French international has been struggling with a persistent knee injury for almost 12 months with the club treating him over the period.
His injury was flagged up by club doctors back in November 2018 after which he underwent a period of rehabilitation in Qatar, before undergoing minor surgery back in Spain.
However, Umtiti still struggled for fitness this season after recently being out with a broken metatarsal.
But reports in Spain suggest that the former Lyon centre back will be included in the matchday squad to face Eibar next weekend as Barca look to go top of the La Liga standings.
Barca will be without Gerard Pique, who is suspended for the trip to the Basque Country after collecting five yellow cards in the season, and Umtiti might step in to cover the former Spanish international ahead of French youngster Jean-Clair Todibo.
