Luis Enrique hoped that his first-team squad would emerge unscathed from the current round of internationals but the Barcelona coach's wishes haven't been granted, Samuel Umtiti the first player to fall foul of the 'FIFA virus' this time around. The defender has been diagnosed with a muscular break in the biceps femoris of his left leg and early indications are that Umtiti will miss three weeks of action. Back in the October international break, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto and Jasper Cillessen were the victims, whilst Lionel Messi sustained a problem playing for Argentina in September. Enrique has therefore become accustomed to dealing with the impact but it's not all bad news for the Asturian, who can compensate for the loss of Umtiti with the returns of Gerard Pique and Jeremy Mathieu. Both central defenders will be ready to welcome Malaga to the Camp Nou. Aleix Vidal is also available for selection again, although his situation remains complicated given that the technical staff appear to have ostracised him.
Meanwhile, Andres Iniesta continues his rehabilitation with a view to being ready for El Clasico.The former Lyon man suffered the injury after meeting up with his France teammates on international duty and has been replaced in Didier Deschamps' squad by Eliaquim Mangala. It is estimated that Umtiti will be out of action for three weeks, putting in doubt his participation in El Clasico on December 3. The injury blow is somewhat softened by the impending return of Gerard Pique, who is in line to feature again after the international break, although Umtiti does join the rather lengthy list of Blaugrana players on the treatment table. Aleix Vidal, Jeremy Mathieu and Jordi Alba are all currently out injured, along with Pique.
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