MADRID (Reuters) - Barcelona defender Samuel Ummetti has not recovered as planned and may have to undergo surgery that could keep him out of play until 2019, Spanish media reported on Thursday.
The French champions have not played any games for the Spanish champions since their 2-2 defeat to Liganes on September 26, and the Catalan club said they would feel uncomfortable in their left knee.
The Sport newspaper said the injury took longer than expected, and Omtiti and the club must decide on the surgery, which may take him several months.
The Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo said Omtiti was expected to miss the top-of-the-table clash between Barcelona and Sevilla on October 20, as well as the Champions League title match at home to Inter Milan on October 24.
Barca are second in the standings but have the worst defense among the top eight teams, conceding nine goals in eight games, and Barcelona have conceded 12 goals in 11 games in all competitions.
Coach Ernesto Valverde's demands for a quick fix to the dilemma have not won any of their last four league games.