Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti could make his return from injury in the club’s La Liga clash at Atletico Madrid on November 24.

The France international has been out of action since September, but Barcelona have posted footage recently of him running on sand at the training ground.

AS are reporting that Umtiti is set to step up his training programme, and if all goes well he will be close to a return to first-team action.

It’s not quite as clear-cut as all that though, the report also states that the club have not yet ruled out surgery for Umtiti.

The trip to Atletico comes after the next international break and could prove key in the title race. Diego Simeone’s team are in fourth but just two points behind Barcelona.

In the meantime, Clement Lenglet will continue alongside Gerard Pique in defence. The Frenchman has looked good recently and seems to be adapting to life well at the Camp Nou.