Umtiti could be out to 5 months if he decides to conduct a knee surgery (TV3)

Barcelona want Samuel Umtiti to have surgery on his knee, however the player is reluctant to do that currently. In case of succesful surgery, he would be out for 5 months according to Spanish media TV3. 

The France international is only just back from injury and made his first start in almost two months against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

He has had knee cartilage problems all year and with him appearing to be unable to recover completely it seems that the only option now is to have surgery.

During the World Cup he had physiotherapy and injections in order to allow him to play but back at Barcelona, after the Leganes defeat he had to have intensive treatment that did not involve surgery that was based on physiotherapy and ultrasound.

Following two months of treatment and and a diet to help him reduce weight, he was able to return to action and played the full 90 minutes without looking in discomfort.

However, afterwards the old problems resurfaced and he wasn't able to face PSV.

Barcelona doctors have offered Umtiti the option of surgery, which will be his choice, and mean he could be back fit for the final stage of the season.