Why Is Umtiti Not Playing for Barcelona?

By Alice Nichols

Why Is Umtiti Not Playing for Barcelona?

Barcelona has been one of the most successful football clubs in recent years, consistently challenging for titles both domestically and in Europe. However, one player who has been noticeably absent from the starting lineup is Samuel Umtiti.

The French defender, who arrived at the Camp Nou with high expectations, has struggled with injuries and form, which have limited his playing time. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind Umtiti’s absence from the Barcelona team.

Injuries Taking a Toll

Samuel Umtiti has had a turbulent time with injuries since joining Barcelona in 2016. Knee problems have plagued him throughout his career at the club, resulting in multiple lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Umtiti’s injury troubles began during the 2017/2018 season when he suffered a knee injury that required surgery. He made a comeback but was unable to maintain consistent fitness due to recurring issues. Persistent knee discomfort and inflammation have forced him to miss crucial matches and training sessions, hampering his ability to regain full fitness and form.

The Emergence of Clement Lenglet

Clement Lenglet, a fellow French center-back signed by Barcelona in 2018, has emerged as a reliable defensive option for the La Liga giants. Lenglet’s consistent performances and solid partnership with Gerard Pique have made it difficult for Umtiti to regain his place in the starting lineup.

Lenglet possesses excellent positioning, strong aerial ability, and good ball-playing skills – qualities highly valued by Barcelona’s style of play. His consistent performances have earned him praise from both fans and pundits alike, making it difficult for Umtiti to displace him from the first team.

Form and Confidence Issues

In addition to his injury concerns, Umtiti has also struggled with a dip in form and confidence. After returning from his knee injury, the Frenchman has not looked as assured and composed as he did in his early days at Barcelona.

The lack of playing time due to injuries has affected Umtiti’s rhythm, resulting in occasional errors and lapses in concentration. This has further dented his confidence, making it challenging for him to regain the trust of the coaching staff.

Competition for Places

Barcelona boasts a talented squad with several quality defenders competing for starting berths. Alongside Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet, Barcelona also has Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza – two promising young defenders who have shown immense potential.

The presence of such competition makes it even more difficult for Umtiti to regain his place in the starting lineup. With limited opportunities available, he must prove himself both in training sessions and whenever he is given a chance on the pitch.

Conclusion

Injuries, loss of form, and stiff competition have all contributed to Samuel Umtiti’s reduced playing time at Barcelona. While he possesses immense talent and potential, overcoming these challenges will be crucial for him to get back into regular contention. As fans, we can only hope that Umtiti overcomes these obstacles and regains his best form – providing Barcelona with another top-quality defensive option.