By Daily Sports on February 18, 2019

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.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.

Clement Lenglet and Jeison Murillo are Valverde’s other options to partner Gerard Pique in the heart of defence.

Lionel Messi, who scored one penalty and missed another against Valladolid, is included as expected alongside Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele. (Goal)

•Photo shows Samuel Umtiti 

Source Daily Sports

Posted February 18, 2019

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