Umtiti's testimonial role for Barcelona since winning World Cup with France

A happy Samuel Umtiti lifted the World Cup on July 15, 2018. "I forced my knee during the World Cup, but I am a champion and I don't regret it," he confessed later. It was a decision which brought international glory with les Bleus, but Barcelona have paid for it. 

Because since that day, Umtiti's role at his club has been reduced, although now he's starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. There have been 15 complicated months, firstly because the injuries haven't disappeared and secondly because when he has been available he's seen his place taken by his compatriot Clement Lenglet. The ex-Sevilla man has formed a solid pairing with Gerard Pique and Umtiti has had to conform to a secondary role. 

The numbers 

Of the 70 games since the World Cup final, Umtiti has only played in 15, all last season. He's not played at all in the current season, not because of a knee problem, but because of a foot injury. 

He returned from the World Cup with the trophy under his arm and Ernesto Valverde's confidence. He played the first six league games of that season and even set up a goal for Luis Suarez at Anoeta. He played the first Champions League game, too, against PSV, when he was sent off. But then his knee gave up and the drama began. 

Umtiti missed five league games and four Champions League games and when it seemed the nightmate was over, with a great performance at the Wanda against Atletico, the trip to PSV again brought problems. It was at the end of November and he didn't recover until February. But this time Valverde decided to stick with Lenglet. Umtiti didn't play in the Copa del Rey or the Champions League at all, but did get some games (six) in the league as he alternated in and out of the team, mainly when the league was won. 

The centre-back has played 1,268 minutes in one and a bit seasons. Now he's back training again and sees a light at the end of the tunnel... if his knee allows it.