Barcelona are reportedly fearful that Samuel Umtiti could miss the remainder of 2019 with a knee problem.

Umtiti has been absent from Barcelona's last three matches after picking up an injury to his left knee during the clash with Leganes on September 26.

According to Diario Sport, Umtiti's progress 'is much more negative than expected', and the Frenchman could now miss 'several months' of action as he looks to overcome the issue.

Umtiti has not yet undergone an operation to repair the damage, but it is thought that surgery might now need to take place in order to facilitate a full recovery.

The 24-year-old, who helped France win the 2018 World Cup, signed a new five-year contract with Barcelona back in June.