Umtiti latest: Comeback will be welcome but Barça not counting on him

Umtiti latest: Comeback will be welcome but Barça not counting on him

Koeman habla sobre el estado de forma de Umtiti / | FCB

The feedback is good but Barcelona don't want to get ahead of themselves

Samuel Umtiti remains outside the media focus and even though it wasn't nice when Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman didn't name him among his options at centre-back, in the end, it has benefitted his process of starting from scratch. Above all, psychologically. The French defender is anxious to play again despite the fact he's still not 100 percent and is taking things day by day. He's not setting deadlines. Right now, his only objective is to 'listen to' and strengthen his knee. No rush. 

On a mental level, that Koeman doesn't count on him has worked well. Umtiti has been working hard in silence. Without any pressure to return as soon as possible. And the sensations are good. That's what has been transmitted to the coaching and medical staff at Barcelona. The former Lyon man believes that knee is recovering well and that's motivating him to keep fighting. 

Umtiti's not named a date for a comeback. He doesn't want to create any expectations but he's convinced that he still has a role to play this season. He's not even worried that he's not in Koeman's thoughts, as he's convinced that if his knee responds, he will prove to the Dutchman that he can be useful. 

Barça are 'celebrating' the positive feedback from Umiti without getting ahead of themselves. The club's opinion is the same as Koeman's: they will only count on him if he's in perfect condition to play. They're not counting on his comeback yet and are still looking for a centre-back in January. If Sam returns, then that will be welcome news, but Barça are clear that they cannot depend on him. In fact, the same as what happened in the summer, Barça will listen to offers for the France international, not just thinking about the transfer fee but also the saving on his huge salary. 

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