Barcelona have been left sweating on the fitness of defender Samuel Umtiti, after the Frenchman withdrew from international duty on Wednesday evening with a hamstring injury.
The extent of the injury isn't yet clear, with further tests expected over the coming days, but theFrench Football Federationconfirmed in a statement that Manchester City's Eliaquim Mangala would be called up to replace the Barca man.
Breaking | Samuel Umtiti withdraws from the French national team with a hamstring injury & is replaced by Eliaquim Mangala.
Umtiti has been a big part of the reigning Spanish champions' back line so far this season, following his £20m transfer from Lyon in the summer, and any kind of long-term setback would be a big blow with a crucial Clasico less than a month away.
Hespoke recentlyof his delight at moving to play alongside some of the world's best at the Nou Camp, saying:"[Being at Barcelona] changes me and I am very happy to be there.It's amazing [playing alongside Messi, Suarez and Neymar]. It is a pleasure to train with them every day.
"They are exceptional. It makes me grow as well. You really are focused and apply yourself all the time.It's true that I work with Lionel Messi, who is for me an extraterrestrial. It is amazing what he can do."
Umtiti 'growing' with Messi, Suarez and Neymar https://t.co/UfKzQN3fcp pic.twitter.com/A3B1xuhGrP
He added: "The intelligence of their game requires a lot of thinking about positioning. You have to adapt. For a defender, it's complicated to play at Barcelona.It is for all these reasons I went to Barcelona."
Umtiti's France side face Sweden in World Cup qualifying on Friday night, before hosting the Ivory Coast in a friendly the following Tuesday.
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