Defender Samuel Umtiti ready for one last chance at Barcelona

Christmas has opened a window of hope for Samuel Umtiti. Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman has announced he will be back within two weeks after not playing at all this season. The comments invite optimism for the first time in a long time. 

Umtiti will be an option again after feeling good in training. His knee was a problem once more at the end of last season and he's been following an intensive plan in a bid to end the injury struggle he's had for two years. He's convinced he will see results and get back to his best. 

The France defender has been working at the training ground and at home, although contracting coronavirus in the summer set him back. 

Italy and Lyon 

During the summer, he had offers from Italy and his former side Lyon. However, none of the options were viable for him or Barça. He would consider a return to the club where he developed, but Lyon don't have the financial power to cover his current salary and he is not prepared to drop his demands too much. 

He has a contract until 2023 and a 500 million euro release clause. 

Offers

Prior to his last renewal at Camp Nou, in 2018, Manchester United and other clubs were ready to pay his 60 million euro release clause, just before the World Cup. 

In Russia, Umtiti pushed himself to the limit to help France win the World Cup. He had already missed Barça's last three games of the season with a knee injury and in the tournament he went a step too far. His knee suffered and has never been the same since. 

Barça wanted him to have surgery but he chose to try the more conservative treatment. It hasn't worked so far. 

Umtiti wants to get back to his best at Barcelona and prove himself. The last few months have been frustrating for him but he has a strong character. 

Koeman has also helped him by not putting any pressure on him. He has been following his recovery and is ready to give him a chance when he gets the green light from the club's medical staff. 

It could be his last chance at Barça. At 27, he could still have many years at the top level. But he is aware that after two tough years he's now at a key moment in his career.