Barca may already have the solution to Umtiti's absence

The 22-year-old made his La Liga debut for Celta Vigo under Luis Enrique back in 2013, where he showed his speed and ability to play the ball out from the back.

He then made his Barcelona debut in the Copa del Rey match against Murcia, a day in which he was "very happy", as he told 'Goal' after the clash.

"To come on for a player like Pique is a real privilege, because he's one of the best in the world," Costas said after the cup game.

With the absence of both Umtiti and Mascherano, Valverde may well call upon Costas in the next few matches, but the young defender wants to remain cautious: "I try not to think whether or not I'll play with the first team, I'm always ready for whatever the boss asks of me."