- Samuel Umtiti was part of the Barcelona squad that trained ahead of this weekend game on Friday
- The World Cup winning star last featured for the Catalans in November 2018 after suffering knee injury
- Umtiti is hoping to return to the squad ahead of their UCL clash against his former club Lyon on February 19
Samuel Umtiti has handed Barcelona a boost ahead of their Champions League clash Lyon next week after training with the team on Friday.
The 2018 World Cup winning defender has been out of action since the 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in November 2018 after suffering a knee injury.
He has however declared himself battle ready for the round of 16 clash against the French League side as they continue their quest to win the European title.
READ ALSO: Paul Scholes set to be named Oldham United new manager
Having joined Barca from Les Gones in 2016, the 25-year-old is hoping to be fully fit for the clash at the Groupama Stadium on February 19.
This will be the first time the defender will be returning to his former club since he joined the Spanish League champions two and a half seasons back.
In his absence, Clement Lenglet has been Ernesto Valverde's preferred partner for Gerard Pique and the pair were quite fine at the heart of defence.
READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng
Goal.com however believes that former Arsenal star Thomas Vermaelen might be considered for the Lyon clash if Umtiti fails fitness test before the match.
Barcelona will also be missing the services of Arthur Melo who has been ruled out for about six weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, Valverde's men will be aiming to return to winning ways this weekend when they face Valencia in the La Liga.
PAY ATTENTION: Become a member of the leading sports Facebook group 'Naija Football Fan Zone'
The Catalans will head into the fixture with a six-point advantage at the top of the log into Sunday's visit to Athletic Bilbao, who are only three points clear of the relegation zone.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Arsenal supporters were delighted after spotting Barcelona’s star Samuel Umtiti at the Emirates on Saturday.
The Mirror reports that the 25-year-old, who followed proceedings as the Gunners breezed past Chelsea 2-0 was only at the stands to watch his compatriots in action.
Coach Unai Emery is in dire need of defensive backups and the French World Cup winner would have been a huge boost for the north Londoners.
NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better.
Football Transfers That Shocked The World | Legit.ng TV
Source: Legit.ng