Barcelona superstar set to return from long injury lay-off

Barcelona's Spanish defender Gerard Pique (L) talks to Barcelona's French defender Samuel Umtiti. (Photo credit BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP/Getty Images)
Barcelona's Spanish defender Gerard Pique (L) talks to Barcelona's French defender Samuel Umtiti. (Photo credit BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP/Getty Images)

Barcelona have been graced with some good news as they are set to revieve Umtiti boost this week. As per Caughtoffside, the French defender is close to making a full recovery.

More from FC Barcelona News

In fact, Umtiti can possibly play against Eibar this weekend. Umtiti has been plagued with knee problems for the past year and a half. So much so that he made only 15 appearances last season and his presence was dearly missed in some of the games that the Blaugranes slipped by.

Mundo Deportivo reports that the 25 year-old is set to a return and there is growing optimism in the camp. However, it would mean that he needs to displace either of Lenglet or Pique to find a place in the squad. It is highly unlikely though that Valverde would want Umtiti to start right away and hence once can expect to see him among the subs.

Moreover, it is highly unlikely that the medical staff would want to risk Umtiti by getting him out on the field so soon, but the word does remain and that is, the 25 year-old is close to a comeback.

Barcelona have looked shallow in many aspects this season and Umititi presents the team with an option to solve a few striking issues. The Blaugranes have had a shaky start to this season and in order to retain the La Liga, they need to get their ‘A’ game back again. A Barca fan would honestly hope for Umtiti to be the solution to their problems. However, it remains to be seen what the future has in store.