Manchester United target Samuel Umtiti sidelined for two months with hamstring injury
The 23-year-old, who joined Barcelona from Lyon for £22 million, has a £53m release clause in his Barca contract which runs until 2021
SAMUEL UMTITI is out for EIGHT weeks for Barcelona after picking up a hamstring injury against Celta Vigo on Saturday.
The 23-year-old's knock means he is a doubt for El Clasico as Barca host Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on December 12.
Umtiti pulled up on the touchline as he competed for the ball with Iago Aspas in Barca's 2-2 La Liga draw against Celta at Camp Nou.
As Aspas raced away, eventually setting up Maxi Gomez for his side's equalising goal, Umtiti signalled to the bench that he would be unable to continue.
Mundo Deportivo has reported that Umtiti is expected to be out for eight weeks.
Speaking postmatch about the injury, Barca boss Ernesto Valverde said the France international will undergo tests this weekend.
most read Barcelona news
He said: "I've not spoken with Sam yet.
"There will be tests [on Sunday] and then we will get confirmation of how long he's out for. We think it's a hamstring tear, but let's wait. I don't know how long.
"It will be more than one week for sure, but I'm not a doctor. Let's wait and see what the tests say."
The Barcelona defender has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Europe and attracted the attention of some of European football's top sides.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
He has been a key player at the Nou Camp following his £21m switch from Lyon in 2016.
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has identified the youngster as a top target to bolster his defence in January.
Umtiti would become the most expensive defender in football history if a club was to trigger his £53m release clause.