The latest on Barça defender Samuel Umtiti's ongoing knee problems
Valverde says he's not worried about Umtiti's fitness but there's still no return date
Samuel Umtiti's situation is as uncertain as it is worrying. The French defender is still not training with the first team. No one knows exactly what's wrong with his knee and how serious it, just that he went to Qatar for a few weeks (with the club's permission) for treatment to avoid surgery.
That was a month ago, but he's still not back. He continues to train on his own and even coach Ernesto Valverde isn't sure when he will have the centre-back back.
"He's training, he's still doing recovery work," Valverde said in a news conference on Saturday. "He's looking good but we don't have a date for his return."
Valverde added: "I could say two or three weeks but I don't know exactly. Hopefully he's back as soon as possible. I am not worried [about the injury]."
In the meantime, Barça will continue with what they have. Clement Lenglet is doing well alongside Gerard Pique and Jeison Murillo has done well in the two Copa del Rey games since signing on loan from Valencia.
Meanwhile, the club have signed Jean-Clair Todibo, who will arrive in the summer, with Thomas Vermaelen, like Umtiti, still currently sidelined with an injury.
