Barcelona have told Samuel Umtiti he must have surgery if he has not recovered from a long-term knee problem by January 6, according to reports.

Umtiti, 25, has only been able to make eight appearances this season because of the nagging injury. The France international, however, is loathe to undergo an invasive procedure because it would sideline him for at least four months.

SPORT have stated that the La Liga champions have set a deadline for early next month.

If no positive signs about a recovery are present, they’ll book Umtiti in for treatment and immediately look for a back-up option in the winter transfer market.