Barca confirm extent of Umtiti injury

APD NEWS

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FC Barcelona will be without central defender Samuel Umtiti for around two months after he tore a muscle in his right thigh during Saturday's 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo.

The French international who has been arguably Barca's best defender this season, suffered the injury while chasing Celta striker Iago Aspas in the move which led to Celta's equalizing goal 20 minutes from full time.

Barca confirmed the extent of Umtiti's injury on their official twitter feed a couple of hours after the end of the game and coach Ernesto Valverde has not just two fit central defenders until the end of 2017, given that Javier Mascherano is also sidelined with a muscle problem.

Thomas Vermaelen replaced Umtiti after his injury, but the Belgium international has a long history of injuries and the Barca coach will be hoping he doesn't suffer another problem before the Clasico away to Real Madrid on December 21st.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)