Barcelona has been dealt with another blow as Samuel Umtiti's worst fears over his knee injury appear to be coming true despite the French international was able to return to action away to Atletico Madrid in the Spanish La liga after two months out. He has had knee cartilage problems all year and with him appearing to be unable to recover completely it seems that the only option now is to have surgery.
During the World Cup he had physiotherapy and injections in order to allow him to play but back at Barcelona, after the Leganes defeat he had to have intensive treatment that did not involve surgery that was based on physiotherapy and ultrasound. Following two months of treatment and and a diet to help him reduce weight, he was able to return to action and played the full 90 minutes without looking in discomfort.
However, afterwards the old problems resurfaced and he wasn't able to face PSV. Barcelona doctors have offered Umtiti the option of surgery, which will be his choice, and mean he could be back fit for the final stage of the season. In the mean time Thomas Vermaelen is the final stage of recovery from a thigh injury and could be fit to return for the Copa del Rey match against Cultural Leonesa.

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