There is a deadline for a decision on whether Umtiti has surgery or not

Barça were in favour of Samuel Umtiti going under the knife to resolve his troublesome knee worries rather than waiting it out to see if the problem clears up with alternative treatment. The club were ready to accept Umtiti missing most of the season in order for him to be fully fit for the run in. The defender asked to go to Qatar instead and the club agreed. However time is running out and if there is no improvement by the beginning of January, Umtiti will undergo surgery and Barça will need to sign another centre back.

he belives in his recovery

Umtiti doesn't want to miss the rest of the season. He's followed all the treatment, losing weight too, but it hasn't gone as expected. Everything now rests in the hands of French doctor Gerard Saillant. The doctor is well known by elite footballers at PSG as well as the French national team. Umtiti has blind faith in the man after he helped Varane overcome similar issues. For this reason he's going to Qatar to start a month's long treatment.

Umtiti knows the recovery won't be easy but he's asked Barça to remain patient, something which is wearing thin as time ticks away. Pique and Lenglet are showing signs of fatigue and while Vermaelen has now returned, his previous problems mean you can't rely on him to stay fit for the rest of the season. This is why the club is forcing Umtiti to make a choice as surgery would force them to buy again in January.

Barça will head to Qatar with Umtiti and receive daily updates on his progress. A decision will be made on the first week of January. If nothing improves then Umtiti knows his fate: surgery, and Barça theirs: an emergency signing in January.