Samuel Umtiti took part in group training ahead of the match against Real Valladolid at the weekend.
Barcelona’s depth in the centre-back area has been severely tested this season due to injuries to Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen, but the return of these players, as well as the acquisitions of Jean-Clair Todibo and Jeison Murillo, have addressed this issue. It is now up to Ernesto Valverde to rotate effectively to keep them fresh for the final run-in as they compete on three fronts.
Umtiti returned to training on Wednesday after nearly three months out as he opted to avoid surgery on his knee which would have ruled him out for the season. He shouldn’t be rushed into first team action though, because his injury returned after the match against Atletico Madrid in November after being out for two months.
The 25-year-old was a guaranteed starter last season and was arguably one of the best players in the team, especially in the first half of the season. Clement Lenglet has quickly adjusted to the club, though, and the greatest possible compliment for his consistency is that the club haven’t missed Umtiti. There were initial defensive issues as a team, but they have been addressed with Lenglet and Gerard Pique forming a formidable partnership.
Having competition in this area is a big advantage for Valverde as he doesn’t have to rush Umtiti back into the team and it ensures the players can’t become complacent as their place in the team is always under threat. Lenglet deserves to keep the starting place based on his consistency throughout the season, so Umtiti will have a challenge on his hands wresting that away from him.