The defender is out with a knee injury

Samuel Umtiti remains on the sidelines for Barcelona with a knee problem but is still hoping to be fit for the club’s Champions League clash with Lyon.

Barcelona face Umtiti’s former team in the last 16 with the first leg scheduled for February 19 in France and the return for March 13 at the Camp Nou.

Umtiti hasn’t featured for Barcelona since November but has told Lyon’s TV channel he’s hoping he will be able to play in Europe’s top competition.

“I will do everything possible to be ready for the Champions League game against Lyon at the Groupama Stadium,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to reencountering the Lyon fans.” Source | Sport

Barcelona have refused to put a date on Umtiti’s return. He went to Qatar for ‘conservative treatment’ at the turn of the year but has still not returned to first-team football.

Ernesto Valverde has repeatedly said in his press conferences he’s hopeful Umtiti will return soon, with the defender seemingly keen to avoid surgery at all costs.