Umtiti in Barca Squad to Face Former Club Lyon

Umtiti in Barca Squad to Face Former Club Lyon

By Admin

Samuel Umtiti has recovered from a knee injury in time to join Barcelona's squad for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Lyon.

Ernesto Valverde's men visit Groupama Stadium on Tuesday and will do so with France international Umtiti in tow after he was named in their 21-man travelling party.

The 25-year-old, who signed for the Liga champions from Lyon in 2016, rejoined training earlier this month but has not featured since the 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid on November 24.

Umtiti's availability is particularly timely with fellow centre-back Thomas Vermaelen ruled out due to a muscle problem in his right leg.

Vermaelen completed 90 minutes in Saturday's 1-0 win over Real Valladolid in La Liga but now joins Arthur (hamstring), Rafinha (knee) and Jasper Cillessen (calf) on the sidelines.

In a statement, Barca described the issue as a "muscle overload" and said a return date would be determined pending further assessment.