Football
Sam Marsden, Barcelona correspondent 8y

Barcelona: Samuel Umtiti out vs. Atletico Madrid due to knee strain

Samuel Umtiti will not be available for Barcelona's La Liga game against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday due to a ligament problem, the club have confirmed.

Luis Enrique had been expected to have a fully fit squad for the visit of Diego Simeone's men, but the 22-year-old centre-back took a knock in training and will be absent for an indefinite length of time.

"Defender Umtiti suffered an internal ligament strain on his left knee during Tuesday morning's training session," the Catalan club said in a statement.

"Therefore, the Frenchman will miss the match against Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou. The progression of his injury will determine exactly how long he will be out for."

Barca coach Enrique has admitted to being surprised by the speed of Umtiti's adaption to life at the club following his summer move from French side Lyon.

He's impressed in his five appearances for the Blaugrana and the Catalan press had tipped him to start in the middle of defence alongside Gerard Pique on Wednesday.

However, Javier Mascherano is now likely to take his place in a side which, save Sergi Roberto replacing Dani Alves, will be the same as the one which was knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico at the Vicente Calderon in April.

Barca's date with Diego Simeone's men is their fourth game in a run of seven fixtures in just 23 days.

Trips to Sporting Gijon, Borussia Monchengladbach and Celta Vigo follow before October's international break.

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