Report: Barcelona Fear Knee Injury Could Sideline Samuel Umtiti Until 2019

Barcelona could lose centre-back Samuel Umtiti until 2019 if it is decided surgery is required to address the knee injury that has seen him out of action since late September. 

According to Juan Manuel Diaz of Sport, cartilage regeneration treatment is not working "as effectively as hoped," and if his recovery continues to stall, Barca may have to take the more radical surgical option. 

The France international is set to miss Barca's upcoming fixtures with Sevilla, Inter Milan and Real Madrid even on his current treatment plan, Diaz reported.

The Blaugrana will likely only turn to surgery as a last resort given how important a role Umtiti plays in the side.

Last term, he and Gerard Pique continued the development of their fantastic centre-back partnership under manager Ernesto Valverde as Barca won La Liga while conceding just 29 goals.

In the summer, he was vital for France as they won the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He also signed a new deal at Barcelona:

The inclusion of a €500 million release clause in the 24-year-old's contract offered an indication of how highly valued he is at the Camp Nou.

And if Umtiti is forced to undergo surgery that keeps him out until next year, he will be a big loss—not least as the defensive cover at Barca is lacking somewhat.

Clement Lenglet was signed from Sevilla in the summer but is an unproven quantity at Barca, while Thomas Vermaelen is experienced but injury prone.