Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti is facing a race against time to be bit for the first El Clasico of the season on October 28.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Umtiti – who has been struggling with a knee injury – is likely to miss the Champions League clash with Inter Milan before Real Madrid come to town a few days later. The France defender has already been ruled out of the top-of-the-table clash with Sevilla on October 20.

Barca are taking things slow with Umtiti as they try and avoid the need for surgery, but the Catalan club have struggled in his absence.

Gerard Pique has put in a string of sub-par performances at the back and the Blaugrana have suffered the consequences – failing to win in La Liga since a 2-1 victory at Real Sociedad in September 15.