Barcelona Left Sweating on Defender Fitness After Withdrawal From International Duty

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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