Barcelona, February 23: FC Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has said that defender Samuel Umtiti, absent for most of the season due to injury, is fit enough to start against Sevilla. Since injuring his knee in September, the Frenchman has appeared in just eight matches in all competitions, reports Efe news.

"We think he (Umtiti) is ready to start. (Clement) Lenglet is in danger of suspension and (Thomas) Vermaelen is injured," Valverde told the media on Friday. FC Barcelona Coach Ernesto Valverde Compliments New Player Kevin-Prince Boateng Ahead of Sevilla Clash.

"We know we have difficult games ahead of us and we need to be prepared," the coach said, alluding to next week's clashes with arch-rivals Real Madrid. Barca will face the Blancos at Madrid's Sebastian Bernabeu stadium twice in the space of four days.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 23, 2019 05:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).