Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti will reportedly spend the next five to six weeks on the sidelines with a toe injury.
The 25-year-old, who is yet to represent Barca this season, picked up the issue while training with France during the recent international break.
According to Marca, medical tests revealed that the centre-back would be unavailable for the next six weeks, leaving Ernesto Valverde short of options at the back.
Umtiti has fallen behind Clement Lenglet in the pecking order at the club, with the latter now regarded as Gerard Pique's first-choice partner at the heart of the defence.
The former Lyon youngster was linked with a move away from the Catalan giants during the summer transfer window, with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal said to be interested.
Barca will attempt to return to winning ways in La Liga when they host Valencia on Saturday night.
Matt Law
