France centre-back Samuel Umtiti is set to return to Barcelona next week to “continue undergoing conservative treatment” that it is hoped will avoid the need for surgery.

Umtiti, 25, has not featured since November 24’s 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid because of a nagging knee complaint. He had spent recent weeks in the Middle East, undergoing physical therapy designed to avoid going under the knife and face a potentially season-ending outcome.

This approach has, seemingly, worked, judging by an official announcement from the La Liga champions.

It read: “Samuel Umtiti was evaluated by the Club’s Medical Services staff at the team’s training centre this morning due to the discomfort in his left knee. Samuel Umtiti will return on December 30 to continue undergoing conservative treatment on his knee.

“This conservative treatment plan was announced on December 2, with the goal of allowing him to heal his left knee discomfort.”

Umtiti was bought from Lyon for €25 million in June 2016.

Barca have secured a loan deal for Colombia centre-back Jeison Murillo from Valencia.